Have you ever had a knot or a sore spot on your body that felt like a hot poker when pressed? This is most likely a trigger point or acupressure point. Shiatsu, a Japanese form of bodywork/massage, specifically targets these points to release tension, promote circulation, increase range of motion, alleviate pain, and enhance the healing properties of the body. These pressure points, also known as tsubos (sue-bows), hold the key to heal the body. The principle is quite simple: BALANCE. When tight, stretch and relax; when cold, warm; when overwhelmed, disperse; when deficient, strengthen. Interdependence along with natural phenomenon create the common figure of Yin and Yang.
Shiatsu bodywork sessions use the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and feet to press along invisible nerve and vascular highways called meridians on these pressure points. Although sometimes pressing these points can be painful, the benefits outweigh the discomfort. Depending on a client’s individual constitution and request, a session is tailored specifically to their goals. Some examples:
1.) A client suffering from stress will have more session time dedicated to the head, hands, and feet along with specific meridians that govern energy.
2.) A client with tense shoulders will have more focused attention on pressure points to increase circulation and muscle relation in the area.
3.) A client with low back pain will have more time dedicated on the low back and hips combined with lower extremity range of motion and traction.
Clients seeking relief from their particular ailment should realize that the result of their discomfort is directly related to the work they do, exercise, diet, social interactions, repetitive motions, and their own self concept of how they see themselves. What the client says and how their body responds to a shiatsu session speaks volumes as to what is going on internally. The body cannot lie.
Shiatsu combines Chinese medicine theory with principles of massage to help clients feel invigorated and relaxed. A session like this will change the way you think of bodywork and massage. So go ahead a give it a try!
