What Is Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a manual practice from Japan that aims to maintain the health and proper internal functioning of the body. What is Shiatsu and what are its benefits on the body? Let’s find out !

What is Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese manual treatment technique, used for prevention and support for many physical and emotional energy issues. The Japanese Ministry of Health has defined shiatsu since 1964 as “a technique that uses the hands to exert pressure on specific points, without using a mechanical instrument, with the aim of correcting energy imbalances in the body, improving and preserving health.”

How does it work?

Shiatsu is closely linked to the concept of vital energy or “qi”, from traditional Chinese medicine. According to the ancient Chinese, an imbalance of vital energy will cause an imbalance in the body or mind, which will promote the appearance of physical or psychological symptoms. Vital energy can therefore be in excess or lacking in the body, which is what this practice will correct.

Shiatsu is also based on the idea that the human body accumulates tensions that will have a negative influence on the physical (pain and various disorders) and emotional (stress, insomnia, etc.) state of the person if they are not eliminated. In order to evacuate them, the therapist will apply pressure and manipulations that will stimulate the individual’s vital energy. These are performed on specific acupuncture points chosen by the therapist, stimulating the energy meridians throughout the body: back, neck, arms, but also face, hands, feet, etc.

Shiatsu: What is it for?

On a physical level, Shiatsu causes a relaxing and well-being effect similar to a classic massage. The pressure and manipulations will be able to relax the muscles, soothe tension and stimulate the immune system. Improving the circulation of energy in the body will lead to better blood circulation and better breathing.

Shiatsu does not only act on physical tension, but also on a psychological level. Indeed, it will allow the individual to relax their mind and fight against stress and anxiety thanks to its very relaxing effect. Shiatsu therefore has a therapeutic purpose, but also a preventive one since it is used to eliminate tension before it becomes harmful.

Do-in is also a practice originating from Japan that turns to a form of self-massage that includes a series of frictions, pressures going from top to bottom and from the center to the outside while traveling the entire body. Depending on the person consulting, the pressure of the fingers can concentrate on the hands, the face or the feet, in an approach close to reflexology.

When to consult?

The benefits of this practice are numerous and the applications varied:

• pains such as osteoarthritis, lumbago, stiff neck or cervical pain
• female disorders associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and postpartum care
• stress disorders, addiction disorders, sexual disorders
• asthma disorders, colds or sinusitis
• digestive disorders

Please bear in mind that this practice does not exempt you from medical monitoring by your doctor or a specialist.

For more mindfulness tips, click here.

I hope you enjoyed this overview of the benefits of Shiatsu and found it useful. Comment down below what you think of this practice. Or share with us your experience if you have already tried it.

Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!