Shiatsu: Japan's Method Of Relieving Stress
Shiatsu is a japaniese massage technique whereby the practitioner uses his/her fingers, palms, thumbs, elbows, knees or feet to apply pressure to specific sections of the human body to identify any irregularities and to correct them. This can be used as a stress buster also because it is very relaxing and regular sessions can help in preventing the build up of stress in daily life.
Shiatsu is a well known massaging technique from Japan and includes modern disciplines like psychology and physiotherapy. Shiatsu has it's origins from Chinese medicines. It is translated as "finger pressure" in Japanese, though palms, thumbs, knees, feet and elbows are used by it's practitioners.
Shiatsu is quite different from other well known disciplines in the way it is practiced although it has its origin quite similar to them. It is basically a combination of diagnosis and therapy. In fact the illness can be treated in some cases without carrying out any prior diagnosis. But in modern medicine careful diagnosis precedes the course of treatment for a specific problem. Same is the process followed by some traditional Chinese medicine like acupressure.
In this therapy, practitioners promote the healing process by stimulating the immune system and natural healing power that is already possessed by human body. It needs active involvement from both giver and receiver, in what would become a non-rational and meditative process, whereby the internal energy of the receiver is contacted to stimulate the stress relief and natural healing process.
Research shows that Shiatsu promises to be a stress busting and natural healing method, with many case histories demonstrating it's effectiveness. Another important fact is that this kind of therapy needs skilled practitioners who have undergone a prescribed educational program and have the license to practice. Lot of countries around the world have noticed its benefits and have started the standardization and licensing process to promote this healing method.
Treating the human body as a whole helps in restoring the functionality of the nervous system, bone structure, muscles and human body circulatory system. This in turn stimulates the body's natural ability to heal and helps in relieving stress. Hence Shiatsu can be an effective therapy; one can resort to handle stress, feel energetic and be healthy.
Shiatsu is a form of Japaniese Massage based in ancient Chinese medicine, as well as modern developments. Though it has its basis there, it differs from its origins in a number of ways. It is a combination of diagnosis and therapy, and in this regard shares some similarities with Chinese acupressure. The technique uses the body's own defense mechanisms, stimulates the immune system, and restores circulation. It is a holistic technique, so it approaches the whole body and seeks to improve all of it, reduce stress, and promote general wellbeing, and has been proven effective in research.
Published June 26th, 2007
