What is Shiatsu?

The word “Shiatsu” comes from shi, meaning “finger” and atsu, meaning “pressure”, (although in reality Shiatsu may involve thumb, finer, elbow or even knee pressure.)

Shiatsu is a Japanese Massage, form from different disciplines of oriental medicine such as acupuncture, herbalism, nutritional and exercise programs. It relaxes and invigorates the body making use of the body’s natural energy. Shiatsu originated in Japan as a holistic therapy for the treatment of mind, body, and spirit.

Shiatsu Massage

For those who do not like oil Massage, you can consider Japanese Massage – Shiatsu Massage – pressure on the acupuncture points in order to balance the body’s energy and promote good health. Open your energy channel and be revitalized.

f) Vibration

Vibration is defined as rapid muscular contractions of the therapist’s arms being transmitted through the fingers or palms to produce a shaking-type movement. Vibrations are normally applied on areas overlying muscular motor points.
Effects:

• Increases blood circulation


• Stimulates localized nerve endings

e) Tapotement

Tapotement are sometimes defined as percussion-type movement which can be light tapping to beating movements applied in a brisk fashion. The whole hand or part of the hand can be used depending on the type of tapotement movement being given. E.g. Cupping, hacking, and tapping. It can be applied to areas of poor circulation, lymphatic drainage or muscle tone
Effects:

• Very stimulating
• Produces localized heat
• Stimulates muscle fibers
• Increases cellular activities

d) Frictions

Frictions or Deep Tissue Strokes, are deep and focused, these friction movement makes use of thumbs, fingertips or heels of hand to reach right down into the tissue to where more hidden tensions may lie. Having soothed and relaxed your partner with the broader, lighter gliding and medium-depth strokes, you now penetrate below the superficial muscle layers or work around the joints with deep tissue strokes. Use your body weight to add depth to your pressure, allowing your hand to remain strong but relaxed. E.g. Thumb-rolling, heel of hand pressure, Fingertip Pressure.
Effects:

• To relief deeply hidden tension tissues.

c) Kneading

Kneading (one of the petrissage movement) is applied only when the muscles have been warmed up with soothing strokes. Lift and squeeze a bunch of flesh in one hand and roll it toward the other hand. Bring the fingers and thumbs together and raising the muscle. When one hand releases its hold the other starts to gather a new handful. Don’t lift the hands off the body between strokes; rock smoothly from hand to hand, as if you were kneading dough.
Effects:

• Loosen up the network of muscles.

b) Petrissage

Petrissage can be defined as pressure movement. The movements consist of repeatedly grasping and releasing the tissues with one or both hands in a lifting, rolling or pressing fashion. Petrissage movements (kneading, lifting wringing strokes) are often named according to the part of the hand used and include palmer kneading, palmer lifting, wringing, thumb kneading, finger kneading, skin rolling and picking up.
Effects:

• Helps venous circulation


• Increases lymphatic flow


• Improves absorption of substances within the tissues


• Loosens adherent tissues


• Moves the tissues over bone