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5 Little Known Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
5 Little Known Benefits of Shiatsu Massage
by James Calvin
Shiatsu massage, also known as acupressure, is a point-pressure massage using the fingers. It is designed to help regulate the flow of energy within the body. During a shiatsu massage, thumb, fingers, palms or feet to the body apply pressure. This type of massage helps produce deep relaxation increases energy levels and brings balance to the body.
The history of shiatsu massage lies with the ancient Chinese. They used the principles of shiatsu in both their medical philosophy and practice. It was developed around 530 B.C. Later, shiatsu massage was exported into Japan, Southeast Asia, and Korea where it was widely practiced. In the 20th century, this therapy was used for treating simple muscular tension and providers were licensed. Shiatsu became popular in the United States, Europe and Australia in the 1970s.
Shiatsu massages last anywhere from forty minutes to one hour. It usually takes place on a padded mat on the floor. This type of massage begins with gentle stretching and manipulation of the skin to allow the stimulation of energy and relax the muscles. Depending on the need of the person receiving the massage, it can be very gentle and calming or used with high pressure, but should never hurt or feel painful. Acupressure massages are usually given using a rapid circular motion with medium pressure. The massages can last from five to fifteen minutes and include techniques such as rubbing, kneading, percussion, and vibration.
Today, shiatsu massages are performed not only for relaxation, but to aid a wide variety of ailments and symptoms. The following are five benefits of shiatsu massage.
Skin:
Shiatsu massages, or acupressure, help stimulate circulation in the capillaries of the skin’s soft tissues. The massage also serves to stimulate the secretion of the sebaceous glands and keeps skin moist and smooth. This helps give skin resilience and helps prevent wrinkling. A shiatsu massage will help improve the look and glow of the skin with improved blood circulation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Muscle Pain:
Shiatsu and acupressure massages can help alleviate the symptoms caused by arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the body’s tissue and it attacks the linings of the joints. This disease affects one percent of the world’s population. Shiatsu applied to the hands and feet are most effective when suffering from arthritis. Pressure from the massage can also be applied directly to any area affected by Rheumatoid arthritis. Shiatsu can also be used to improve the overall health of muscles throughout the body. Shiatsu helps limber muscles and gives muscles nutrition by improved circulation. It also helps reduce muscular pain.
Migraine Headaches:
Migraines are usually caused by a rapid widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain or head, causing irritation and pain. Common symptoms of migraine headaches include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, weakness, numbness and vision problems. Migraines are thought to be cause by changes in weather, stress, hunger, foods containing nitrates and sometimes caffeine. Shiatsu massages helps aid migraines by relaxing the body and increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body.
Pregnancy:
Shiatsu massages have been used for thousands of years to aid women during monthly cycles to alleviate symptoms such as menstrual cramps and depression. This kind of massage has also been used for years for also for pregnancy as well. Shiatsu has been known to help women in labor and help babies turn in the womb. It can induce labor in women who are overdue and help ease morning sickness and swelling often caused by pregnancy.
Circulatory and Digestive System:
Shiatsu massages are also found to help aid the circulatory and digestive system. A gently massage helps improve circulation and cellular nutrition throughout the body. A massage also benefits the digestive system allowing food to digest more easily and aids in the elimination of waste products. A shiatsu massage also increases stamina by storing energy reserves and assists in fat metabolism and removal.
Learning basic shiatsu techniques at home is easy with a book or video. It can also reap huge benefits to practice basic techniques at home. When looking for a practitioner experienced with shiatsu, look for one that has at least three years worth of experience. Feeling comfortable with the provider is also important. A session of shiatsu massages generally last from thirty to ninety minutes and can cost anywhere from $30 to $80 for a more experienced practitioner.
Copyright James Calvin
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Qi Gong (Chi Kung) for Health
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Shiatsu and Qi Gong
– are highly compatible. Both aim to clear blockages and harmonize energy.
When we are more balanced physically and mentally, our inner healing resources are more able to do their work.
Shiatsu is a hands-on form of body therapy, whilst Qi Gong (Chinese Yoga) is a practice which continues the beneficial effects.
Gentle fluid movement, connected with full body breathing, stimulates the flow of vital energy, creating a dynamic balance of body and mind.
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Benefits of Qi Gong Practice
1) Qi Gong improves the motion of blood, warms the blood and enhances whole body circulation.
2) Qi Gong stimulates appetite, sexual function, assimilation of nutrients, and digestion/elimination.
3) Qi Gong accelerates metabolism, weight Loss, and decreases need for sleep.
4) Qi Gong bolsters your immune system by reducing Cortisol, a known inhibitor of cytokine production.
5) Qi Gong improves dexterity, reflexes, and prevents osteoporosis in clinical studies.
6) Qi Gong opens arteries allowing greater brain-based micro-circulation to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
7) Qi Gong enhances mental acuity, focus and concentration.
8. Qi Gong helps us to calm down and become more peaceful.
9) Qi Gong helps spiritual growth, regardless of faith or beliefs.
An estimated 200 Million people practice Qi Gong worldwide. The list of things Qi Gong can heal includes: Digestive problems, poor blood circulation, endocrine and thyroid disorders, migraines, asthma, allergies, pain, high/low blood pressure, eye problems, cancer, diabetes etc. More serious diseases require food based healing in addition to Qi Gong.
More people are seeking holistic solutions for their health. Qi Gong and nutrition based healing offer affordable non-intrusive approaches that work. People are questioning the traditional methods of cut, medicate, and wait until a disease occurs.
Everything is possible when we are in charge of our own health.
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Chungliang Al Huang. My teacher, mentor, inspiration.
Enjoy!
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“Wise people breathe from deep within them,
Whereas, most people breathe from their throat.”
- Chuang Tzu
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Shibashi : Eighteen Postures Tai Ji Qi Gong
Qi Gong relates to practices which work to support and enhance the flow of vital energy.
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QI GONG (CHI KUNG):
The science and art of cultivating this vital life force energy. Developing awareness of the flow of Qi (Chi) in the body has powerful implications in the prevention, and healing of dis-ease of body and mind.
The particular form I teach is based on the Tai Chi form. The movements are easy to learn, yet profound in their effect, helping to combat stress, prevent disease and promote optimum health and fitness. This is a very satisfying way to exercise the body while simultaneously relaxing the mind, enhancing performance in work and leisure.
Qi Gong teaches us, through gentle, easily learned movements, to breathe more fully and freely - Since oxygen is the essential fuel of life, it may be quickly grasped that ‘everything’ works better when infused with it.
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When we do these exercises it is literally a way of ‘re-membering’ (putting back together into one, integrated whole) our disparate parts, accessing our essential nature.
Qi Gong reminds us that we are connected to (and supported by) everything else.
“When we try to pick out anything by itself
we find it hitched to everything else in the universe”.
- John Muir
•Qi Gong in the News:
New York Times article on Qi Gong
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