How Shiatsu Can Improve Your Health

This is a guest post written by Nisha from healthypages.co.uk

Take it away Nisha:

Shiatsu is a form of touch therapy that originated in Japan, but draws extensively on ancient Chinese medical philosophy and practice.  Shiatsu, which activates the body’s natural ability to heal, is used not only to treat a wide variety of physiological and psychological symptoms, but also as a preventative measure to maintain general health and wellbeing. Eastern cultures believe that illness results from imbalances in the natural flow of energy through the body.  As in other treatments such as acupuncture, Shiatsu therapy manipulates the energy to restore balance and allow it to flow freely.  This energy, the body’s life force, flows along pathways or meridians throughout the body.  In Japan it is known as Ki.  In other areas of the East it is called Qi or Chi.

A skilled Shiatsu practitioner can interpret both the quality and flow of Ki in your body through their highly developed sense of touch.  The treatment involves applying gentle, rhythmic pressure to the energy meridians, using the fingers, thumbs and palms, focusing on any area of the body where the Ki is blocked.  Along with massage, Shiatsu therapists advise their clients with the aim of increasing confidence, mind-body awareness and coping abilities.  As well as producing deep relaxation, Shiatsu stimulates healing and is used to treat many common conditions including:

Arthritis – Shiatsu can help alleviate the symptoms experienced by those suffering from both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  The gentle massage and stretching has numerous benefits from pain relief to reducing inflammation and swelling, soothing stiff muscles and helping to maintain range of motion in the joints.

Post-injury muscle pain and spasms – Shiatsu is often the treatment of choice for people experiencing chronic pain following a fall, whiplash or other injury, particularly when traditional medical intervention has failed provide long-lasting relief.  Shiatsu can alleviate the pain and spasms, while improving motility and range of motion in the affected area.

Migraine – The pain of a migraine is the result of rapid widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain and can be triggered by stress, hunger, a change in the weather, certain foods or drugs such as caffeine.  The relaxing effect of Shiatsu alleviates the pain by increasing blood flow and circulation.

Pre-menstrual syndrome – Ninety percent of women experience the physical and emotional symptoms associated with PMS. Shiatsu can relieve the cramping, backache and general fatigue while calming the nervous system.  It can even help reduce cravings.

Pregnancy – Shiatsu is useful in treating the common discomforts of pregnancy such as morning sickness, heartburn, pre-eclampsia, low back pain, fatigue, and edema.  It can also be used before or during labor to help speed up the process, by intensifying uterine contractions.

In addition to be used for specific conditions, Shiatsu improves your overall health by regulating hormonal balances, enhancing digestion, improving posture, preventing injuries by limbering up your muscles, decreasing blood pressure, revitalizing your skin, supporting your immune system and much more.  Shiatsu is a very powerful therapy, that can help keep you dis-ease free.

Hello my name is Nisha, I am the Editor for healthypages.co.uk.  I love to write about health and beauty, especially Complementary Therapies, please visit our site for more information