Shiatsu Therapy
In this article we explain what shiatsum is, for whom it is recommended and for whom it is not. We also talk about shiatsu for people with fibromyalgia, the origin of shiatsu and shiatsu in Chinese medicine.
What is shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese treatment, which aims to improve health by stimulating the body's natural ability to self-pressure (finger) that are spread throughout the body.
It is applied in discomfort in muscles, fibromyalgia, back pain, lumbago and sciatica, tendonitis, stiff neck, stress, insomnia, migraines, digestive disorders, pregnancy and post-childbirth, menstrual disorders … among others.
Through gentle pressure and stretching, the "Shiatsu" manages to eliminate the contractions and back pain caused by stress and poor posture that we took throughout the day.
Shiatsu is a major regulator of the autonomic nervous system, since the pressure at depth, the nerves that run side by side and the spine, balance our autonomic nervous system, breathing becomes deeper and more relaxed. It encourages further the circulation of blood throughout the body, providing more mobility to the joints.
A Shiatsu session lasts 50 minutes to an hour. It does not use oil or cream, and is normally applied on a comfortable style of dress clothes for the person who is going to work.
Who is recommended to receive Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is recommended at any age, from children to elderly, during pregnancy and after childbirth, as a regular treatment, it stimulates the smooth functioning of physiological functions.
Contraindication receiving Shiatsu
It should not be used in: diseases, pleurisy, peritonitis, pyelitis, appendicitis, peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, duodenal ulcer, liver cirrhosis, intestinal obstruction, fever or excessive physical weakness.
Shiatsu in people with Fibromyalgia
he Shiatsu Therapists consider a person as a whole, that is, holistically, treating the whole body (back, legs, feet, neck, arms and abdomen), as consider that a symptom or pain may be imbalances caused by structural or body.
In Fibromyalgia, there is widespread muscle pain accompanied by stiffness, as well as feelings of fatigue or tiredness. Among other reasons, this muscle pain is due to low levels of oxygen in the muscles, which eventually trigger a chronic fatigue. Regular Shiatsu treatment, improves circulation and helps the lactic acid (a substance that causes stiffness in the muscles), is transported to the liver, where it is reconverted into glucose and thus is achieved, relaxes muscles and reduces the muscle pain.
Shiatsu, through the pressure, modulates and establishes communication with the autonomic nervous system, helping to balance the potential decompensating that may manifest and promote the connection between the peripheral nerves that innervate the musculoskeletal system.
Shiatsu and Chinese Medicine
Shiatsu keeps a very close relationship with traditional Chinese medicine. Most lines are pressure points that correspond to the meridians of acupuncture.
Homeostasis active processes that human beings have with their environment, are sustained and articulated through a complex web of energy that flow through our body, i.e. the meridians or energy channels. These routes have the electro-magnetic according to adapt to the economy of all biological systems influences that they receive in the form of colors, smells, tastes, musical notes, solar spectrum, electromagnetic field land, and so on.
Stimulating specific points of these meridians or energy channels, is achieved harmonizing energy and regulating the individual, improving their digestive functions, endocrine and cardiovascular diseases. If there is a disorder that affects one or more of these systems, it is advisable to combine Shiatsu and Acupuncture.
Shiatsu Background
Its origins date back over 3000 years ago when the ancient Chinese sages profuse observers of nature and man, noticed that pressure on certain points in the body relieved pain where it is said, and benefited also other parts of the body furthest away from the pain and pressure point. Over the years, they developed various systems and techniques to relieve pain and help fight diseases.
The Chinese took to Japan all these techniques known as "Anma".
It was not until the middle of the XX, the "Shiatsu" was officially recognized by the Ministry of Health of Japan, thanks to the work of "Tokujiro Namikoshi" which won recognition by the Ministry of Education and Health of Japan since 1955.
This is how the Ministry of Health of Japan, defines "Shiatsu" as "treatment that, by applying pressure with thumbs and palms of the hands on certain points of the body, corrects irregularities, maintains and improves health, helps to alleviate various diseases and activates the body's ability to self. It has no side effects. "
Its name literally means finger pressure. ("Shi" finger), ("atsu" pressure)
In addition to the work of Tokujiro Namikoshi, it includes also the work developed by Shizuto Masunaga, a disciple of Namikoshi which Shiatsu is known as "Zen Shiatsu". Both styles appreciate both the physical and emotional state of the patient.
References
- Shiatsu Guide Namikoshi Basic
- Shigeru Onoda's Complete Shiatsu Treatment
- Fundamentals of Traditional Chinese Medicine, according to Carlos Nogueira