How Can Shiatsu Benefit Your Health & Wellbeing

What is Shiatsu?

The name Shiatsu is from Japan. This is a form of therapeutic bodywork using kneading, pressing, tapping, soothing and also stretching techniques. Shiatsu massage is performed without oils during the treatment. Therefore, you don't need to remove your clothes for a Shiatsu massage.This is particularly beneficial if you are shy about your body. You should wear light, loose and comfortable clothing.

Shiatsu was developed in the East and literally means 'finger pressure'. There are different methods of Shiatsu, all of which have roots in one of three systems that developed in Japan in the early 1900s as a result of a resurgence of Japan's traditional medical therapies, including anma massage and acupuncture. Nowadays in the U.S., Shiatsu is known as one of the main therapies within the larger profession of Asian Bodywork Therapy.

The benefits of Shiatsu for your health and wellbeing

Shiatsu is a non-invasive therapy that may help reduce stress and contribute to overall wellbeing. In other words, it has both preventative and remedial effects, believed proponents.

Shiatsu definitely can be used in the treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal, internal and emotional conditions. Furthermore, it is proved that Shiatsu massage can effectively reduce muscle stiffness, aid digestion, stimulate the skin and positively influences the nervous system. That’s why Shiatsu is used to treat a wide range of chronic conditions, such as stress, anxiety, headaches, also PMS, digestive disorders, fatigue, fibromyalgia, insomnia and muskuloskeletal pain, including low neck, back and joint pain.

The effect may be invigorating and stimulating or calming and sedative, depending on the ultimate goal of the session. Clients report that if Shiatsu massage is done regularly, it will provide a stronger immune system, a greater sense of permanent energy and help gain a better general wellbeing. Also, clients have indicated that they feel copletely relaxed and refreshed; they found themselves sleep much better, more focused and that they get a general lift in spirits.


What happens in a Shiatsu session?

First and foremost, the practitioner evaluates the clients to decide which patterns of imbalance that may be present at the begining of the session due to the importance of assessing the "state of the Qi" in order for the practitioner to give the client the most effective therapeutic session. After that, the practitioner quickly arranges a plan that will give the client the most therapeutic benefit according to their individual wants.


Shiatsu therapy uses a variety of manual techniques which includes pressure, kneading, soothing, tapping, and stretching to access the vital Qi of the body. In the case where the client's energy is low or deficient, the practitioner uses specific techniques to enhance and vitalize the Qi. When the client is over-stressed, wound-up, or anxious, the practitioner employs techniques to disperse the "excess" energy. In this way, the Qi is regulated. Shiatsu works to alleviate conditions, restore balance, and promote health.

A regular maintenance program of Shiatsu is an excellent way to maintain wellness and improve vitality. This schedule will vary for each person. One Shiatsu session per month may work well to maintain balance for some. But for others, a high-stress job, family demands, an overactive lifestyle, lack of exercise, or other factors may require Shiatsu sessions on a more regular basis.


Is there good evidence?

Shiatsu is Japan's primary manual therapy, and there is ongoing research that is published in Japanese journals. This research is usually not published in English, and may not yet be available to the American audience.

In the U.S., Shiatsu is often considered as a subset of either massage therapy or acupuncture, and thus, the main research grants for therapeutic bodywork have been focused on massage and other energy therapies. Most of what is available in terms of evidence in the U.S. is anecdotal, or it is from the experience of Shiatsu clients and therapists. However, schools and individuals are beginning to organize research studies for Shiatsu. There is some research on the efficacy of Shiatsu therapy currently being conducted in Europe.

But while the evidence is limited at this point, it is worthwhile to note that the risk is low and there are significant anecdotally-reported benefits.


How to find a practitioner

The professional organization that represents Shiatsu and Asian bodywork therapists exclusively is the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA). The AOBTA website has a Find a Practitioner page.

Shiatsu and Asian Bodywork Therapists (ABT) are located throughout the United States, often in the vicinity of a school. The highest credential for Shiatsu and ABT is the national certification exam for Asian Bodywork Therapy administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Practitioners who pass this exam become a Diplomate of ABT. The website for NCCAOM also has a Find a Practitioner page.

In addition, graduates from a Shiatsu program are eligible to take (if all requirements are met) the National Certification Exam for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).

References
Expert Contributor:
Cari Johnson Pelava, BA, CI, AOBTA, Dipl. ABT, NCCAOM, Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing

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