Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Shiatsu Massage Therapy is a finger-pressure technique that is developed in Japan. It is gaining much popularity in the holistic world.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy makes use of the traditional acupuncture points (Meridian points) of Oriental healing. The meridian network provides life giving and life-sustaining energy to every part of the human. It is this network that connects all the organs, tissues and cells in the body. This is in fact, the basis of understanding on how this form of massage therapy work.

By stimulating the meridian points on the exterior of the body, changes can be made internally. Similar to acupressure, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy and restoring balance in the meridians and organs.

The Massage Therapist applies pressure with the finger, thumb, palm, elbow or knee to specific areas located along the energy meridians of the skin. Strokes used include tapping, squeezing, rubbing and applied pressure.

The many benefits of Shiatsu Massage Therapy include:

• Deep muscle and tissue relaxation thus relieving back and neck pain, whiplash injury, frozen shoulders, etc.

• Stress reduction and management thus reduces headaches and migraines, pre-menstral syndrome.

• Releases toxins from the body thus enhances body’s natural detoxification process.

• Prevents diseases eg. gastrointestinal disorders.

• Increased joint flexibility.

• Improved blood circulation.

• Lowered blood pressure.

• Reduced stress and calms the nervous system.

• Balance of “chi” or life energy .

Shiatsu Massage Therapy aims to help nature performs its work. Symptoms are not treated specifically. The goal is to help the whole body and all its body parts function smoothly and work together in a balanced manner, so as to promote self-healing.

Shiatsu Massage Therapy is safe, holistic and effective. It does not involve the use of drugs, medicines or invasive procedures. If you are experiencing some health problems, instead of seeing a doctor, you may wish to check out Shiatsu Massage Therapy as an alternative option.

So You Really Want To Be A Massage Therapist Huh?

Becoming a massage therapist is a big decision to make. Because the industry is already being regulated, a career in massage therapy is harder to get into. You need training and sometimes licensure in order to work in a particular clinic. This is especially true if you are aiming for those top of the line clinics that really pay well. One of the decisions that you have to make before getting into the field is what kind of massages will you be specializing in. Like the medical field, massage therapists have specializations.

There are various kinds of massages that are being done in clinics. Some are simple enough and only requires a specific set of strokes. Others are more technical and involve pressing certain pressure points in the body and using oils that are not usually used in the practice. Examples of these are acupressure and aromatherapy. Before you get into the massage therapy business, know first what you are comfortable doing. If you study one massage and then realize that you are not for it, you will be wasting money and time on your training. Before you plunge in, know first what you want.

Below are some of the things that can help you clarify what you really want to do.

1. Western vs. Eastern

Although there are a lot of different kinds of massages, they are divided into just two big groups– Eastern and Western. Ask yourself, are you more comfortable doing the more traditional medical model that is often the characteristic of western massages or are you more for the eastern types that makes use of essential oils and pressure points?

2. Medical vs. Relaxation

The various kinds of Massage therapies may also be divided into either massages for relaxation or massage therapy for medical purposes. If you feel that you only want something simple as providing relaxation, then training is easier for this group. All you need to learn are specific strokes that will help your client relax their muscles. However, if you feel that you want to make a career out of it that is similar to a medical doctor, then you are better off training in the medical area of massages. Here you will study subjects such as anatomy, physiology, physical therapy and a lot of other science subjects.

3. Spas vs. Nursing Homes

The clients that you will be servicing will also help you determine the kind of massage therapy specialty you would like to take. For instance, it you foresee yourself working at a spa or a resort, your clients will primarily be those who just want a bit of relaxation. On the other hand, if you like to work in a nursing home or in a hospital setting, then you may want to get into something that is more medical in nature. Although relaxation may be easier to do, the pay for the other is much more competitive so you may also want to consider that when making your decision.

4. How Light Or Deep You Can Perform The Massage

Another consideration in choosing your specialty is whether you can take on the massaging itself. Remember that massages for relaxation is softer and more relaxed compared to those being done for people who have problems with their muscles and their bones. Also, when dealing with medical clients, you also need to be more precise with your massages.

Detoxification Using The Massage Strategy

When one clears out his or her body through a total detoxification system there are many benefits that are typically experienced. For example, that person’s immune system is strengthened and they have a better chance of not getting sick. For many people, detoxification liquids, juices, and meals do work. On the other hand, there are more ways than just one in order to detoxify your body. One popular method that many people use in order to complete the same goals as a detoxification is a massage. There are actually types of massages that are known as “detoxification massages,” and the goal of these massages are to not only rid the body of certain foreign substances and invading pathogens that make you sick, but it is also meant to strengthen the muscles. All of these things will help in the long run, and do a very good job at giving detoxification strategists a run for their money.

The Goals of Detoxification Massage

As mentioned, the goals of the detoxification massages are pretty much the same as a normal and regular detoxification process. Considering that the detoxification process is meant to kill and rid the body of toxins throughout, the goals of the detoxification massage are the same. This massage can either be combined with a rigorous detox diet in order to provide a double benefit, however, it can also be used alone. Many people choose to use the massage alone just because of the fact that the same outcome is enjoyed without drinking unpleasant juices and blends.

How Detoxification Massage Therapy Works

There are several goals of the massage therapy that is used as a detoxification method for the body, but there is one main goal that ultimately needs to be accomplished through the massage. That goal is the relaxation of the muscles. It is believed that the body will enable itself to get rid of toxins throughout the body if it’s muscles are relaxed properly. Fortunately, there are massage therapy schools all across the country that teach this detoxification massage strategy, and many people are better off for it. When the muscles are relaxed not only will the body be able to get rid of invading pathogens sooner, but the body will also be able to recognize bad substances and automatically get rid of them.

Another way that detoxification massages work is to strengthen the mind and de-stress an individual. Considering that humans are much more prone to getting sick when they are stressed an exhausted, the detoxification massage will instantly change all of that. When the muscles are relaxed and strengthened then the individual is more likely to be relaxed him or her self, which automatically promotes de-stressing and getting rid of all the anxiety that has been felt throughout the day.

Many people contend that detoxification massage therapy does work and that society is better off for it. But where can you get these types of massages? There are actually many places throughout the United States that offer detoxification massages specifically, but most massage therapists will know what you’re talking about when you mention a detoxification massage. Nevertheless, though, if you have traditionally always used detox juices and meals to aid you in cleansing the body, you will definitely want to consider a detox massage that will promote the same goals and help you with it all in the end!