What is shiatsu?
Translating as "finger pressure," shiatsu is a Japanese system of bodywork based in meridians and five element theory from traditional Chinese medicine practices. With similar benefits of other bodywork to the soft tissues (muscles, fascia) of the body, it is also used to balance energy (ki) and promote well-being. Using tsubo (acupressure points), it can be an adjunctive treatment for many ailments.
How is a shiatsu treatment done?
Traditionally, shiatsu is done fully clothed on a mat on the floor, and we find this is how it's best done. However, if coming to the floor is not accessible, shiatsu can be adjusted to be done on a table.
The session will begin with a conversation about your health--challenges, day to day activities, and goals. Then, you'll be asked to lie on the mat and take a few natural breaths with your therapist. Your therapist will then perform a hara diagnosis, in which they place their hands/fingers on different locations on your abdomen to assess the activity of the energy (ki) in each of the 12 major meridians.
Based on this diagnosis, your therapist will use their own ki to balance your ki in your most over- and under-active meridians. This treatment is interwoven with the kata flow (bodywork routine). The bodywork and meridian treatment is done through compressions with palms, fists, fingers, forearms, elbows, feet, and knees, as well as stretching and range of motion movements to manipulate both tissue and energy.
The kata flow treats the whole body--legs, feet, arms, hands, abdomen, shoulders, neck, face, and back. The only thing you need to do throughout the session is relax, breathe, and communicate with your therapist if anything is uncomfortable.
What benefits does shiatsu have?
Potential benefits of regular shiatsu treatment include:
Reduced stress
Reduced muscle tension
Improved circulation
Improved sleep quality
Improved range of motion
Improved sense of well-being
Improved balance of ki (energy)
Who can receive shiatsu treatments?
Shiatsu is generally considered safe, but it is important to communicate any health conditions with your therapist, especially pregnancy (or the possibility thereof) and issues with bone density or your cardiovascular system. Because shiatsu is based on promoting the flow of ki, it can be done effectively with varying degrees of pressure, from deep pressure to the barest of touch, making it accessible to a greater range of the population.
Shiatsu can be done on a wide variety of age ranges, from children to the elderly. It may be a great option for those who do not wish to remove clothing in a massage session. It can be enjoyed by those who have never had bodywork and those who have received bodywork for decades.
Shiatsu is contraindicated for:
Acute illness (please don't come in with a fever)
Surgery within the last 6 weeks
Recent heart attack
Recent stroke
Flare ups of autoimmune diseases
Compromised bone density such as osteoporosis*
Open wounds*
Cardiovascular conditions*
Pregnancy*
Cancer*
*These conditions may not be complete contraindications. Talk to your massage therapist and health care provider about whether shiatsu is appropriate for you and how it may be adjusted for you.
What kind of conditions can Outside the Mat's shiatsu provider work on?
While always learning more ways to apply tsubo (acupressure points), Kaetlyn currently addresses:
-Headaches
-Insomnia
-Stress
-Anxiety
-Trouble concentrating
-Digestive issues
-Respiratory issues
-Hemorrhoids (yes, there are acupressure points for these)
The best way for your therapist to be ready to address your specific needs is to fill out your intake paperwork in advance!
More Questions?
Contact us at outsidethemat@gmail.com or give us a call at 719-257-3242.
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