What is Shiatsu? Features of the procedure
Japanese massage involves working on the human body using perpendicular finger pressure. This type of massage therapy is also called acupressure therapy, since with it the same points of your body are treated with different, sometimes multiple, number of pressures with different intensities.
The diagnosis of the person's disease influences how the intervention should be carried out. If the Shiatsu massage technique is correct, then the patient does not feel pain even with the deepest pressure .
The main feature of this massage therapy is that it does not treat the disease itself, but eliminates its root causes . Treatment using this method can awaken the inner strength of your body, affecting active points and thereby launching the mechanism of its recovery, inherent in the body by nature.
When performing this massage technique, the massage therapist does not use traditional techniques, but, nevertheless, your body feels a load similar to physical one. The fact that therapy has been completed is indicated by slight pain in those points of the body that were affected.
It is worth noting that by massaging the points, the body becomes more flexible and mobile, as this relieves tension.
Restoring youthful eyes
Shiatsu massage effectively relieves swelling from the eyelids and tightens the delicate skin around the eyes. As a result, the dermis will become elastic, and eye fatigue will disappear. Many experts believe that the use of the technique restores vision and the eyes become brighter.
Step-by-step instruction:
- The nameless, middle and index phalanges are placed on special points near the eyebrows.
- The middle one should be in the center of the eyebrow. For some people, this zone is sometimes displaced. For proper exposure, you need to find the sensitive area yourself.
- Press the points for 7 seconds and carefully ensure that the dermis does not move, otherwise the skin will be exposed to the wrong effects.
Tip: if the ends of the eyebrows begin to droop, this can be corrected by directing point movements with your fingers upward.
Experts believe that if you regularly use Tsiatsu on these points, you can get rid of myopia and also reduce eye fatigue. This is a common problem, since modern people spend a lot of time reading or working on the computer. As a result, vision deteriorates.
Main types
There are several types of procedures using this technique. The following body parts are massaged:
- Feet.
- Whole body.
- Back.
- Face.
- Breast.
- Head.
By working on your feet, the massage therapist will quickly help you relieve tension and fatigue. There are a large number of biologically active points on a person’s feet, by working on which one can cure certain diseases, for example, internal organs, spine and head.
A massage using the Shiatsu method of the whole body will help relieve tension, restore mobility, eliminate muscle tension and pathological processes in the body, and calm the nervous system. By massaging your back using the Shiatsu method, a specialist will help eliminate problems with the spine, restore it after injuries, and relieve muscle tension.
Japanese therapy, applied to the facial area, will help get rid of headaches , eliminate congestion (sinusitis, otitis media, etc.), relieve headaches and rejuvenate the skin. The Shiatsu breast massage procedure can only be applied to men, since pressure techniques in this area are contraindicated for women due to their physiological characteristics.
Head massage therapy using this method helps not only to get rid of headaches, but also to eliminate many psychological problems.
History of creation
Reflexologist Tokuiro Namikoshi founded the Shiatsu College back in 1940. What it is, literally deciphered in the name, “shi” - fingers, “atsu” - to press. The therapy is based on the anatomical and physiological scientific knowledge of the Western movement. The secrets of acupuncture in symbiosis with the achievements of European medicine became the basis for the doctor’s developments.
Initially, Tokuiro Namikoshi studied traditional Chinese medicine and its effect on the body to treat his mother. Features of the execution include the use of fingers and palms. It is important to thoroughly study the special points; it is their activation that ensures the restoration of the flow of vital energy Qi.
Unlike other cosmetic massages, Kobido, Asahi Zogan, according to Alena Sobol, Shiatsu has a therapeutic effect. It is possible to normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. Thanks to pressure on important points, relaxation, harmonization, and restoration of emotional balance occur.
There are also features at the preparation stage. To perform Kobido, steaming of the integument is required; when performing Asahi Zogan, the skin is cleansed with oat milk. Shiatsu requires anatomical and physiological knowledge in order to achieve not only a cosmetic, but also a therapeutic effect.
The result of impact on specific points
The author’s methodology describes in detail the results of certain techniques of pressing on certain points, thanks to which a person gets rid of the following problems:
- Stomach pain.
- Wheezing.
- Diarrhea.
- Nasal congestion.
- Colds.
- Toothache.
- Headache.
- Pain in the liver.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Diabetes mellitus.
- Stomach prolapse.
- Nosebleeds.
- Bruises and sprains.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Vertebral displacements.
- Numbness of the legs.
- Shots.
It is important to note that the treatment begins with massaging the main points of the body, and then those responsible for the diseases, the symptoms of which are described by the patient, are exposed.
One move that will help you relieve tension from your neck
Let's try to relieve excess tension from the trapezius muscle and relieve pressure from the lower part of the cervical spine:
— move your chest forward (this movement is important for those who slouch)
- raise your shoulders up and then lower them as far as possible
- Relax your neck and shoulders.
Throughout the day, pay attention to the position of your shoulders and as soon as they begin to rise up, lower them back down to the correct position. By doing this, you will relax the trapezius muscle and relieve your neck from unnecessary tension.
Personally, I find this exercise very effective in relieving tension in my neck and shoulder girdle:
Other Ways to Reduce Neck Tension
A great way to relieve neck tension:
regular exercises for the cervical spine: Gymnastics for the neck by Dr. Shishonin
Stretching and improving the elasticity of the neck muscles: Therapeutic exercises: Exercises for the neck - stretching and strengthening
performing exercises for cervical flexibility: Stretching the neck and back of the head
Impact technique
When performing massage according to the Japanese method, the massage therapist uses a pressure technique, which is performed using the thumbs, index, middle, three fingers of one or two hands, and palm. Also, according to the technique, the specialist’s fingertips are in contact with the human body, the pressure force must be taken into account and not exceed more than 3-5 kg.
The time of one pressure depends on the goals, for example, healing effects should not exceed 7 seconds, pressure on the neck area 3 seconds, localization of painful sensations by this method lasts from 2 to 10 minutes.
It is important to be able to use the correct combinations of fingers; for weak impact, use the index or middle finger. For a stronger thumb or a combination of the second and third, for a strong one, use the thumbs, three fingers together or the palm.
It is important to say that when the technique is performed correctly, a person does not feel discomfort; its sensations are similar to weak electrical discharges in the body.
Preparing for the session
The massage is usually performed in the morning, after waking up. It is important to properly prepare the skin; for this you can use herbal compresses from chamomile, plantain, and sage.
Then you need to blot off the excess moisture, then apply a moisturizing serum or cream. After 5-10 minutes you can start the massage.
The use of massage oil is not required; the main techniques are pressure with the pads of the fingers. Performed in front of a mirror, it is recommended to tuck the hair under a bandage.
Indications and contraindications
The main indications for this therapy are the following health problems:
- Bad feeling.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Poor appetite.
- Stagnation of venous blood.
- Constipation.
- Liver disorders.
- Insomnia.
- Blood pressure surges.
- Sexual dysfunction.
But despite the positive effect in most cases, this technique also has contraindications for use:
- Simultaneous diseases of such vital organs as the liver, heart, lungs and kidneys.
- Ulcer.
- Infectious and purulent diseases.
- Hemophilia.
- Oncology.
- Burns.
- Fever.
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Fractures.
- Thrombophlebitis.
Beautiful lips
With age, a person develops nasolabial folds, as well as vertical wrinkles around the mouth. If you use Shiatsu regularly, you can quickly get rid of this problem.
How to do:
- With your middle finger you need to activate the point above the lip. Active stimulation lasts 7 seconds, but no more.
- Using the same finger, gently press into the corners of your mouth on both sides. Perform massaging movements for 7 seconds. This will help smooth out any wrinkles that appear around the mouth.
- The last movement is to activate the place below the lip - in the hollow.
This method is often used to relieve toothache or swelling.
Shiatsu facial massage
Facial massage using this technique is applied to both women and men. A targeted effect on the face can eliminate headaches and migraines, runny nose, relieve fatigue and relieve insomnia. In addition, finger pressure improves vision, psychological state, and improves facial skin.
Regular massaging using this technique helps slow down the aging process , eliminate existing wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new ones, strengthen muscles, improve blood circulation, restore a beautiful and healthy color to the face, and speed up the fight against rashes.
But it is worth remembering that there are also contraindications for the procedure; it cannot be done for those who suffer from low intracranial pressure, have herpes, dermatological rashes, rosacea, furunculosis, etc.
Efficiency of the technique
As a result of finger pressure on acupuncture areas, a temporary disruption of blood flow and oxygen supply occurs. Accompanied by the removal of excess fluid and activation of energy zones. Lactic acid is eliminated, resulting in muscle fiber relaxation. Afterwards, blood flow occurs, the intensity of metabolic processes increases.
Benefits of Shiatsu acupressure:
- wrinkles are smoothed out;
- firmness and elasticity increases;
- puffiness and swelling are relieved;
- headaches and eye strain go away;
- immune parameters are restored;
- color improves, skin structure evens out.
Execution technique
When performing this technique, the massage therapist should ensure that the hand movements are clear and slow; if the subcutaneous fat layer is thin, then the pressure must be applied less than in the opposite situation.
If therapy is carried out for cosmetic purposes, then one press on the point should not exceed 7 seconds. If the massage is carried out for therapeutic purposes, the effect may last for several minutes. Massage using this method is more beneficial in the morning for no longer than 10-15 minutes.
How many sessions will it take
Positive results can be noticed after the first session, relaxation occurs, and emotional balance is restored. You can do the exercises on your own every day for 1–3 months, then reduce the frequency to 1–2 times a week. The duration of the procedure takes from 5 to 15 minutes, in the salon it reaches 30–40 minutes due to additional caring procedures.
To consolidate the effect, you need to adhere to the basics of a healthy lifestyle and regularly take care of your skin. You can buy Shiatsu massagers for the neck, back, legs; they are used for prevention rather than for healing.
Scheme of implementation
Japanese acupressure massage can get rid of wrinkles on the forehead. To perform it, you need to place three fingers of each hand on points located in the middle of the forehead. Next, apply a little pressure on them and hold the pressure for 7 seconds. Then the fingers are moved slightly to the sides from the middle of the forehead and pressure is applied again.
Moving your fingers, each time further you should stop at your temples and press your fingers tightly to the skin, also hold for 7 seconds. Also, this massage therapy technique can get rid of wrinkles on the bridge of the nose. To do it, you need to find a point called the “third eye”, it is located in the middle of the forehead, and press on it.
Next, you need to place three fingers on this point and make light circular movements for 7 seconds. This technique can also relieve nosebleeds, sinusitis and runny nose. The Japanese massage procedure can also make your eyes shiny, healthy, relieve fatigue, remove swelling of the eyelids, and improve vision.
This technique is carried out using three fingers, which need to be placed on the eyebrows at equal intervals so that the middle one is in the middle. Apply light pressure on the points for no more than 7 seconds. Acupressure can make your lips beautiful, smooth out nasolabial folds and eliminate fine wrinkles.
To carry out this procedure, you need to place your middle finger on the point that is located in the hollow above the upper lip and massage it for 7 seconds. It is also possible to perform this technique, which involves placing the fingers on four active points, that is, in the corners of the lips, above the upper and lower lips. Massage movements also last no more than 7 seconds.
To become the owner of elastic and toned cheeks, you need to place the fingers of both hands on three biologically important points located under the cheekbones on both sides. All six points must be massaged simultaneously for 7 seconds.
To improve the contours of the oval face, you need to place three fingers of each hand on both sides of the chin, while the thumb lightly presses the jaw from below. You need to massage this area for 7 seconds. After regularly performing this procedure, you will notice that the oval of the face will become clearer and more defined, and jowls will disappear.
Reviews
“I would never have believed that massage would help eliminate wrinkles if I had not tried it on myself. After the second shiatsu session, the terribly annoying crow's feet on my face disappeared. During the session itself, I immersed myself in some kind of peaceful state. So I not only tightened my facial skin, but also tidied up my nervous system. My massage therapist also recommends getting a back massage. He says it will relieve chronic pain in the spine. I have already gotten rid of the headache. Most likely, I’ll sign up for the whole course.”
Alexandra, 37 years old.
“I went to shiatsu to get rid of constant fatigue and insomnia. It was recommended by my brother, who himself had just completed the course. At first I somehow didn’t really trust these eastern techniques. I scoured the Internet and read reviews. According to them, shiatsu works wonders. I decided to try it. I've already had three sessions and, I must say, I'm very pleased. Now I not only sleep better, but I even feel somehow younger and more invigorated. The fatigue has gone completely. I even decided to go in for sports.”
Andrey, 47 years old.
“Due to overactive facial expressions, at the age of 27 I already have wrinkles around my lips and eyes. I tried Botox. The effect, as promised, lasted 6 months. But I understood perfectly well that, figuratively speaking, they simply filled in the cracks in the walls. They recommended the shiatsu technique to me. At first I was somewhat skeptical about this, but then I had to believe that this massage was really better than injections and plastic surgery. Now there is not a single wrinkle left on my face, and my skin is fresh and elastic – like a plump apple.”
Margarita, 27 years old.
“I have been practicing shiatsu for 5 years. I tried it for the first time to get rid of constant colds and runny nose, but I didn’t expect such an effect. I forgot about the chronic cold a long time ago, and my back pain went away. I became much calmer. I have already learned many techniques and, if necessary, massage myself and my family.”
Kirill, 35 years old.
How often can procedures be performed?
The oriental massage technique using the Shiatsu method can be performed at home. The usual course of recovery is at least 15 days, and preferably 3-4 weeks, then significant improvements will become noticeable. After completing the entire course of massage therapy, you should give your skin a little rest, taking a short break from the procedures.
It is advisable to conduct at least three massage courses per year using this technique for health-improving cosmetological purposes. The number of courses can be increased by a specialist in case of a positive effect of using the procedure as a treatment method for a particular disease.
Shiatsu acupressure is a unique auxiliary therapy in the treatment of many diseases. In addition, this technique can eliminate not only many age-related changes, but also significantly improve the psycho-emotional state .
The secret to quick rejuvenation
The famous Japanese makeup artist, creator of Evangelist cosmetics, suggests combining lymphatic and acupressure massage for quick rejuvenation. The specialist claims that this approach will help you quickly get rid of waste, toxins, and excess water in the body.
When two healing techniques are performed simultaneously, the lymphatic and circulatory systems begin to work effectively, metabolism returns to normal, and therefore rapid facial rejuvenation occurs.
First, lymphatic massage is performed, and then acupressure.
Lymphatic
Stagnant lymph allows waste and toxins into the body. Massage improves the circulation of lymphatic fluid and removes congestion in the lymph nodes. By improving the circulation of the lymphatic system, it is easy to get rid of excess water in the body, cellulite, dull complexion, dry skin, wrinkles and many other ailments. In addition, lymphatic massage improves metabolism and blood circulation in the body.
pic 3
To obtain a rejuvenating effect, it is necessary to follow the massage technique.
- All exercises are carried out exactly along the lines indicated in Figure 3 and exactly in the direction where the arrows point.
- The procedure is performed with the entire hand, with exceptions being places where it is not possible to do this.
- Lymph is located between the skin and muscles. Lightly stroking your face will give you a skin massage. Pressing hard on the muscles. Therefore, the pressure on the skin should be medium.
- The point of the Japanese procedure is to disperse the lymph to the lymph nodes, so from the beginning to the end of each movement, the hands are not taken off the skin. Any manipulations on the lymph nodes end (see Fig. 3, marked in yellow).
- Each movement is performed at least three times; if the face is neglected, 5 approaches are required.
Massage movements:
- smooth the forehead and drive the lymph to the ear (the lymph node is located here), do the same with the chin;
- from the nasolabial fold to the mouth, without lifting your hands, we lead to the ear;
- from the eyes through the lower cheekbone to the lymph node;
- from the outside of the eye, draw a semicircle, moving along the lower cheekbone to the nose, along the eyebrow and to the lymph node;
- starting from the ear, we move along the neck to the collarbone to the next lymph node.
