Shiatsu is a Japanese massaging technique that utilizes the application of pressure to the body using fingers, thumbs and palms. The word “shiatsu” itself means “finger pressure”, and is thought to originate from an earlier Japanese massage modality called anma. While the roots of shiatsu are thought to originate from traditional Chinese medicine, the modern day formation is credited to Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905–2000) who founded a shiatsu college in Japan in the 1940’s.
Similar in some way to acupuncture, and traditional Chinese medicine theory, shiatsu techniques are based on the belief that illness results from imbalances to the body’s natural energy flow, or qi. Shiatsu theory posits that with appropriate pressure on specific meridian lines of the body, this energy flow can be manipulated, thus alleviating pain and illness and ensuring wellbeing.
Along with finger pressure, pulse diagnosis, stretching, and joint manipulation and mobilization are also utilized. It is believed that shiatsu is useful for general relaxation and well being, as well as specifically for back pain, neck and shoulder pain, headaches, anxiety, stress, insomnia, depression, premenstrual syndrome, arthritic pains, poor digestion and constipation.
Modern massage chairs are also based on the principles of Shiatsu. It’s not surprising then that Japanese homes dominate the massage chair market with a huge 15% of all homes in Japan owning their own massage chairs! Special rollers and nodes inside massage chairs are designed to apply pressure and stretch muscles in a similar way to that of fingers in traditional shiatsu. The beating and tapping of the massage chair nodes on various parts of the body are designed to do so on particular anatomical positions that may correspond to meridian lines through which qi is believed to run through the body. This way, the tapping and pressure provided by the chair can release built up tension and stress in these areas, and allow for an overall improvement to your sense of wellbeing.
Of course a massage chair has the added benefit of providing a generalized massage as well as pressure, and the extent of the pressure and tapping can be configured to suit your unique needs and wants. Relaxing on a massage chair while receiving your shiatsu based massage also means you can enjoy TV in the meantime, or a good conversation with a friend, or Facebook via your smartphone, or anything you wish really. We’ve even heard of those who settle into their chairs with their laptops, attempting to work while relaxing! Whatever your wish, we’re happy to announce that you can enjoy a deep shiatsu massage, plus many additional benefits, in the privacy of your own home. Call Adako today, and we’ll set you up!