Shiatsu Massage TherapyMassage therapy is being more and more popular nowadays. It is used for relaxing, soothing tired muscles; getting relief from back pain, headache, and even neck ache in case of certain ailments. There are many types of massage therapies practiced. Each of these therapies is unique and interesting in their own way. Some of them are deep tissue therapy, chair massage therapy, Roman massage, Ayurvedic massage therapy etc. One of them is Shiatsu massage therapy. Shiatsu massage therapy actually originated in Japan. The principal characteristic of Shiatsu massage therapy is that it is practiced using just the fingers, thumbs and palms of the therapist. But the main soul of Shiatsu massage therapy is "Diagnosis and Therapy combined." By "Diagnosis and Therapy combined" it means that the practitioner uses only his sensory organs like palms, thumbs and fingers to identify irregularities like stiffness in any part of the body or other possible problems and then heal all these troubles. Such skills require lots of experience and practice and you should try and find a massage therapist who is certified. In fact the major defining difference in between Shiatsu massage therapy and other modern medicine which is also called Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM like acupuncture, acupressure and moxibustion is nothing but this "Diagnosis and Therapy combined" only. It means that the Shiatsu massage therapy does not necessarily require earlier diagnosis before beginning treatment. Whereas in cases of modern medicine, the type and course of treatment can be decided only after a thorough diagnosis has been done. Practitioners of shiatsu massage therapy promote the prevention as well as healing of diseases by stimulation of the natural immune system of people as well as by awakening the inborn healing power of people. Practitioners of shiatsu massage therapy treat the patient's body as a whole. This, according to the massage spa therapist, helps to restore the functions of the circulatory system, nervous system, overall bone structure and muscles, and also internal secretions. It also stimulates the body's natural ability to heal illness. Practitioners focus on trigger points of the body which control important functions and organs of the body. By applying correct pressure and massage techniques to these points, blood circulation can be improved and all parts can be controlled. Practitioners of shiatsu massage therapy in Japan have to be licensed with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. They are known as Shiatsupractors and are required to study a minimum of three years educational program in any university of shiatsu therapy. Such a university of Shiatsu should be authorized by the Health and Welfare Ministry. Though Shiatsu originated in Japan but today it has reached all parts of the world. Most of the countries have their own university of Shiatsu therapy and have their own set of rules and regulations regarding certificates and license. With its popularity rising day by day, there are many people who are venturing in this field to be professional therapists. Whether as a career option or just as a way to de-stress, shiatsu massage therapy is definitely interesting and healing. |