Looking to get a massage with the purpose to relieve tension? Well, Shiatsu may just be what you need! 

Shiatsu is a Japanese word that when directly translated means “finger pressure” in which the massage focuses on body stretches and pressing body points. It was developed in Japan and officially recognized as therapy by the Japanese Government in 1964. Although Shiatsu is Japanese by tradition and character, Chinese medicine has had a great influence in Japan. Shiatsu was mirrored and influenced by the Japanese massage technique known as Anma which was acquired from a traditional Chinese massage technique known as Tui Na which means “to push and to lift and squeeze”, this is a form of Chinese massage that is practiced by applying pressure across the body using hands and fingers. Shiatsu having had many influences had then developed into different styles, here are some of the shiatsu styles that you can explore:

• 5 Element Shiatsu is based on the 5 elements in nature – Fire, Water, Earth, Wood, and Metal. This style believes that each of the Five Elements corresponds to different parts of the human body. By leaning into the body’s meridians, therapies say that they can tell what elements are strong and healthy in you and what elements are exhausted. 
• Barefoot Shiatsu style uses the feet and the whole body to apply stronger and more sustained pressure. It is dynamic and vigorous and is mostly useful for clients with tensed, hard muscles. It includes a variety of powerful stretches designed to loosen up stiffness and tightness. 
• Movement Shiatsu is a guided session, the client receives touch but may also explore several exercises and breathing that help develop awareness and integration. Both the patient and practitioner engage in a proactive approach that focuses on the development of a fully embodied self which makes this more interactive than most other Shiatsu styles.
• Namikoshi Shiatsu style is specifically on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. The pressure applied is firm and deep and the body areas where there are active trigger points can be quite painful. The goal of this technique is to release tension in muscles.
• Zen Shiatsu style uses not only thumbs and palms but also fists, elbows, and knees. It involves you lying on a mat or a massage table wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Zen Shiatsu creates a feeling of deep relaxation and renewed vitality by working along the specific acupressure points of the body without using needles.

Asides from muscle tension relief, there are other benefits of Shiatsu Massage:

• Relieves Muscle Pain
• Boosts Skin Health
• Improves mood
• Improves Quality of Sleep
• Reduces Stress
• Helps Decrease Depression
• Improves Digestion
• Stimulates Circulation and Blood flow
• Increases Endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers)

Having a healthy, energetic self can help an individual in all the different areas of life by meeting their own needs. Finding the right shiatsu massage therapist can help build a great foundation for those who are recovering from injury, illness, or seeking greater overall well-being. Don’t wait any longer, simply search for a massage spa nearby and book your preferred Shiatsu Massage style now!