Today, people are under more stress than ever before. Many of us have high pressure jobs and, on top of that, we have responsibilities at home and in our communities to attend to as well. Sometimes, stress can manifest as physical pain and discomfort in the body, and it’s important to alleviate that pain for a more peaceful, balanced existence and a happier life overall. One simple, enjoyable way to achieve just that is through the alternative practice of Shiatsu massage. While many people have heard of this popular massage type, few actually know what it is and the many benefits it can offer.
Shiatsu focuses on the body’s pressure points, which many believe act as pathways to other parts of the body, including hidden parts of the mind. It is believed that, through specialized techniques enacted upon various pressure points, many symptoms and problems can be alleviated. Many people, for example, use these techniques to get rid of anxiety disorders, depression, pain, headaches, muscle problems, and even to help strengthen and reinforce treatments for serious medical conditions.
This is an ancient Japanese technique that, contrary to popular belief, isn’t just about ridding pain and discomfort and feeling good, but is also about the body and spirit as a whole. Those who receive shiatsu massages from qualified professionals will be on their way to having not only a healthier body, but also a healthier mind and spirit. This technique is about getting good energies moving in the body and getting rid of bad energies, the kinds that hold onto both literal and symbolic toxins, like guilt, anger, or the inability to forgive others or oneself. What you should be starting to see is that this amazing technique isn’t just about lying down and getting a massage; it’s almost a kind of therapy—a way to find balance and to unify the entire person.
As you might imagine, the sensitive, personal nature of this technique makes it important for patients to have a practitioner whom they can trust. For this reason, you shouldn’t just allow anyone to perform these massages, but only a qualified, highly trained, and friendly professional.