History of shiatsu

While the first noted use of the term shiatsu is in 1915, it is believed this method of bodywork was used more than 2,000 years earlier in Japan. Shiatsu a form of massage which uses only the hand to relieve pressure and pain throughout the body. It is believed that different sections of the hand have an effect on the way certain parts of the body function.

By relieving stress in the hand, it is possible to relieve the stress felt in the rest of the body. In Japanese shiatsu massage, the principles of the pressure points in the hand are based on the same logic of acupuncture. To this day, shiatsu is used to relieve stress and improve overall health for those in the Japanese government as well as the rest of the society.

Why get a shiatsu massage?

While shiatsu has enjoyed immense popularity over the centuries in Japan, it is still slow to gain acceptance in the west. It is important to note that when you get a shiatsu massage that you will not just receive a hand massage. First the shiatsu practitioner will give you a full examination in which they look at your skin tone, determine any odor problems, and check for gland or internal organ problems. They will then go through the systematic process of alleviating any issues that they have made note of in their assessment. When you first go through a shiatsu massage, it is common to feel lightheaded as the practitioner will most likely release toxins which have been pent up due to poor circulation in parts of your body.

Interested in learning more about shiatsu? Search for shiatsu massage schools near you!

Shiatsu Video - What is Shiatsu?