Saturday 10 April 2010

What is Shiatsu Massage?

So how does Shiatsu differ from Swedish Massage? (which is by far the most popular form of masssage in the UK) Well it's so very different. For a start, shiatsu massage doesn't involve covering you in hot oil.


Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage; it includes a number of other techniques that include Amma, acupressure, massage and stretching. Shiatsu is a holistic treatment because it aims to treat the whole person and not just the condition. It uses the concept of Ki which is the same as the Chinese Chi: that energy flows through the body and illnesses are caused by blockages in the flow of this energy. The therapy works by massaging the body along meridian lines or applying pressure and acupressure points in the body. By doing this, the energy in the body will be able to flow freely and the healing process will begin.

People who have a Shiatsu Massage will usually experience reduced levels of stress as well as improved circulation and a stronger immune system. It has also been shown that Shiatsu can be very useful for relieving nausea, as well as helping to reduce chronic pain - particularly in the back and neck. Other conditions that Shiatsu Massage is thought to be beneficial for include diarrhoea, indigestion, constipation, and other disorders of the gastro-intestinal tract; menstrual and menopausal problems; chronic pain; migraine; arthritis; toothache; anxiety; and depression. Oh and it's also more relaxing than you might think.

Shiatsu Massage is just one of the treatments (alongside Swedish Massage, Indian head massage and Sports Massage) - and hair removal by waxing - that I offer from my home in Woking Surrey.