Is Shiatsu Massage the Ultimate Stress Relief Treatment?

My first shiatsu massage

I opened my eyes suddenly. He was smiling at me. Then I realised I must have fallen asleep. It was a strange feeling. Energised, refreshed and relaxed, all at the same time. And it was so enjoyable. If that is a full body shaitsu massage, I want another.

Shiatsu massage is done fully clothed, but nothing restrictive must be worn, I was told. I lay on a futon on the floor. He started by placing his hands on my stomach and closed his eyes, just sensing my energy. Then he started to work his way around my body using all sorts of massage techniques combined with stretching and pulling of my arms and legs.

But the best bit was when he worked around my head and neck. That felt so good. And when he moved down my spine with his hands chopping and kneading. My whole body tingled and I felt a rush of energy. I think it was about then that I must have drifted off to sleep.

What is a full body massage?

The session starts with some questions. General health, problems, pain, tension spots and any existing medical conditions. This builds a case history. If you have a number of regular treatments your case history is kept current with the results of each session.

Lying on your back, the giver kneels down beside you and places a hand on your abdomen. This is a 'hara' diagnosis. The Japanese word 'hara' means your centre and it reveals much about your energy system to a sensitive shaitsu practitioner. The shiatsu massage technique involves stimulating or relaxing the acupuncture points or meridians of your body.

The word 'shiatsu' means 'finger pressure'. The purpose of these massage techniques is to release and balance the flow of 'ki' or energy, at points where it has become blocked or overstimulated.

A full body session will include work on your abdomen, chest, shoulders, arms, hands, head, neck, legs, feet and back. You get your arms and legs pushed and pulled. You are kneaded and chopped with hands and static finger pressure is applied at specific points on your body.

Why do you feel both energised and relaxed?

Your body has a network of energy channels or 'meridians' in which your 'ki' flows. This unseen network follows similar pathways to the nervous system and provides a constant supply of life-giving energy.

And just like a busy freeway, blockages in the flow can occur. But unlike a freeway these constrictions often do not clear naturally, causing local pain, tension, irritation or even illness. And because the meridians connect all the organs together, it can cause problems in other parts of your body too.

Shiatsu clears these blockages, freeing your energy, so you feel energised. Clearing blocked energy releases tension. The massaging techniques and the power of 'human touch' has a tremendous relaxing effect on your whole body. This is why you can fall asleep. Releasing all your tension you instantly relax into much deeper levels of mind which border on sleep.

Where does this form of massage originate from?

Shiatsu massage started in the 6th Century in Japan. The modern-day founder of shiatsu as a therapy is Tokujiro Namikoshi and the Institute for Shiatsu therapy which he opened in 1925 on the Island of Hokkaido. After 20,000 graduates, shiatsu is widely practiced in Japan. It is also practiced in China but is called acupressure.

The study of shaitsu involves a lot more than just finger pressure and massage techniques. Students study anatomy, physiology, the meridians and energy 'circuits' of the body, pressure points, case studies and 'hara' diagnosis.

They must have many hours of practice on volunteers and they must be fit and strong. A practitioner must be comfortable sitting, kneeling and squatting on the floor. Something we are not use to doing in the west.

Why shiatsu is the ultimate stress relief

We all lead busy lives balancing work, homes, relationships and many other triggers for stress and tension. These triggers build slowly but surely, especially if your life is 'full-on' with little rest and relaxation. You will notice the signs: inability to relax, irritability or you may suffer from insomnia. These are just a few of the symptoms.

This stress causes body and muscle tension and many inbalances in the way your body works. In turn, the vital energy that flows around your body becomes constricted and blocked causing pain and discomfort. We all know the therapeutic value of massage for releasing tension but Shiatsu combines tension release with energy unblocking, all in one session.

A Shiatsu massage melts away all your accumulated stress and tension and gives you an energy boost all at the same time. There are not many therapies that can do this and be so enjoyable too.

Terry Dunn writes regular articles on how to use alternative therapies to improve your health. From aromatherapy to yoga, discover what it's like, how it works and how you can benefit. To read more articles, visit his website, http://www.holistichealthtalk.com

Higgins & Burke Six Flavor Tea Bag Assortment, Variety Tea, 120/Carton

In The News:

---

BBC News
Europe Looks to Alternative Sources for Energy
Wall Street Journal - 8 hours ago
By GUY CHAZAN As Europe counts the cost of Russia's latest gas shut-off, there are signs it could give a boost to alternative sources of gas that currently ...
Video: Ukraine leaves Europe without gas - Gazprom RussiaToday
Europe late with alternative to Russian gas TREND Information
Gas war may boost alternative routes to Europe guardian.co.uk
Canada.com - Los Angeles Timesall 6,288 news articles

CNET News
Linksys offers full wireless alternative to Sonos
CNET News, CA - 13 hours ago
After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ...

Destructoid
The Wand: Nyko announces a high-tech Wii remote alternative
CNET News, CA - 10 hours ago
In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet. ...
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit ... engadget
Nyko Announces New Wii Controller at CES 411mania.com
all 6 news articles

Seattle Post Intelligencer
Airlines Search for Alternatives to Oil as Fuel
New York Times, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ...
Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels SmartBrief
Air Algae: US Biofuel Flight Relies on Weeds and Pond Scum Scientific American
Algae-Powered Jet Proves Biofuel in Continental Test Bloomberg
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Atlanta Journal Constitutionall 231 news articles

Sunrise Solar tapped for alternative energy project in Brazil
Bizjournals.com, NC - 22 hours ago
The project is part of a multimillion-dollar alternative energy development initiative by Brazil which is making a big push to become energy self-sufficient ...

Treasury Bond Alternative
Boston Globe, United States - 23 hours ago
"Where should I put my money right now? I don't feel comfortable investing in stocks, and I've heard that Treasury bonds are paying next to nothing. ...

Fuel Systems Solutions to Launch US Automotive Alternative Fuel ...
MSNBC - 17 hours ago
Since the 1960s, Fuel System Solutions' transportation subsidiary, BRC, based in Cherasco, Italy, has been a major provider of alternative fuel systems ...

MTA to consider alternatives for Eastisde Transit Corridor
Los Angeles Wave Newspapers, CA - 10 hours ago
LOS ANGELES — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will consider the adoption of the Eastside Transit Corridor Phase Two Alternatives Analysis study ...

HispanicBusiness.com
Hybrids, alternative fuel cars showcased
Detroit Free Press, United States - Jan 7, 2009
The EcoXperience exhibit will feature about a dozen hybrid vehicles and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels. It will be supported by General Motors ...
Michigan Economic Development Corporation and North American ... PR Newswire (press release)
Detroit's North American International Auto Show changes subject ... MLive.com
Try hybrid vehicles at auto show exhibit Detroit Free Press
all 86 news articles

S. Fla. Companies Look To Creative Layoff Alternatives
MSNBC - 21 hours ago
Though it may not sound so good at first, many say having a shorter work week or taking unpaid vacation is better than the alternative. ...

alternative - Google News

Natural Remedy for Motion Sickness

Motion sickness is a normal response to real, perceived, or anticipated movement. People tend to experience motion sickness on a moving boat, train, airplane, automobile, or amusement... Read More

Magnetic Therapy, How And Why Magnets Effect The Body

Have you ever read or have been told that "it is not known why magnets work"? Well, this is untrue. All human and animal bodies are electromagnetic... Read More

Alcohol : How Badly Can It Affect Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Sufferers?

The wonders of alcohol. The achilles heel for many people. The 'norm' for some others. And poison if you have CFS/PVFS/M.E.... I remember when I first got... Read More

Voice Care for Recovery from Colds and Vocal Strain

Every singer, no matter how careful they are of their instrument, has times when they have cheered a bit too much for their team, or had three... Read More

Spring Cleaning with Nontoxic Cleaners

Spring cleaning goes beyond normal everyday cleaning. It's a major project of home revitalization: to make everything new by removing dust and dirt, to make sure everything... Read More

Air Purifiers, Are They Worth The Money?

When you suffer from allergies or asthma, you may think it may be a good idea to purchase an air filtration system for your house. But one... Read More

An Introduction to Bach Flower Essences Part II ? The Seven Helpers

The 12-7-19 Method of Bach Flower ClassificationDr. Edward Bach, developer of flower essence therapy, classified the original 38 essences he used in his practice according to the... Read More

Super Bee Nutrition

Bee's and Bee NutritionWhat is the buzz about bee Nutrition? Well, you cant get more down to nature then bee products. Powerful anti-oxidants, skin creams, supplements, and... Read More

Independent Research Proves Effectiveness of Magnotherapy Wristbands

"Magnetic bracelets reduce the pain of osteoarthritis." Those are the findings of a scientifically peer reviewed clinical trial published in the British Medical Journal (Dec 17 04)... Read More

Norepinephrine ? A Factor in Fibromyalgia Pain That Your Subconscious May Be Able to Curb

Normally an inhibitor of pain, norepinephrine can produce pain as well--especially in the case of fibromyalgia. Your subconscious may be able to help counteract the effects of... Read More

Dangers of Dehydration - And The Importance of Kidney Cleansing

The human body is composed of 75 percent water and 25 percent solid matter. To provide nourishment, eliminate waste and regulate all the functions in the body,... Read More

Getting into The Zone with The Alexander Technique

Have you ever attempted to perform a simple act and completely failed? From completely mistiming a shot to losing balance at a crucial moment, the outcome may... Read More

The Benefits of Drinking Mangosteen (XanGo)

Benefits of Drinking XanGo:The Mangosteen fruit (XanGo's main ingredient) is unique because of its antioxidants and Xanthones. 43 Xanthones have been found thus far in the Mangosteen.... Read More

Holistic Methods: Color Therapy and Aura Soma in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The human body is recognized as a series of colors, detectable only in the last fifty years with the technology of Kirlian Photography. The colors relate to... Read More

New Foot in the Sand Technology can Solve Many Health Problems

A vast array of after-market insoles has been merchandised through the years. Most of these consist of a bed of cushioning foam with only hints of accommodation... Read More

Allergies: Why Do You Have Them?

Next time you reach for your Claritin, think about this:Allergies are totally abnormal. Sure, tons of people have them. Probably most of the planet is sneezing, wheezing... Read More

Addressing The Cause And Finding A Cure: Why Cause is Everything When It Comes To Low Back Pain

There is an epidemic, at least in the States when it comes to treating back pain. Most doctors do just that... treat back pain rather than finding... Read More

Achieve Instant Calm

For instant calm, try one or more of the following simple calming exercises, herbal allies, or movements, and can give you more details on how and why... Read More

How to Cure Allergy Naturally?

When the immune system in our body finds or realizes anything as foreign to the body, it immediately releases antibodies like histamines to fight against the foreign... Read More

The Basics of Hypnosis

You've seen the stage acts where a hypnotist selects someone out of the audience and when he claps his hands, the unwilling participant struts around the stage... Read More

How I Was Overtaken By Evil Eye Envy!

You are about to embark on a journey that only a percentage of the world's population has made. Throughout the journey, you will gain insight that will... Read More

Aromatherapy for Common Ailments

Aromatherapy works in several ways to combat common ailments. Essential oils contain molecules that once applied or dispersed through the air trigger nasal receptors to send healing... Read More

What Type of Arthritis Do You Have?

Arthritis dates back to prehistoric times and is seen all through the ages in the joints of the skeleton remains.Most of you will have problems with your... Read More

Paintings That Heal? & Children?s Healing Art? ? Right !

If you asked me a year ago if a Painting could physically heal you, I would have said Right?! I even remember when my grandmother at age... Read More

Hypnosis - What Exactly is it?

Hypnosis is probably not what you think it is. Hypnosis is a technique that allows you to utilise your own inner strengths and hidden abilities. It can... Read More

Hemorrhoids & its Symptoms

Hemorrhoids are conditions where there is a swelling of the veins around the anus. The veins may be inflammed sometimes. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external. Internal... Read More