7 benefits of shiatsu that stimulate the body and help you relax

Therapeutic massages are indicated for pain relief and even relaxation. This is the case of shiatsu, a technique of Japanese origin full of benefits. To understand a little more about the subject, see what shiatsu massage specialist Murielly Garcia and massage therapist Tatiana Miyuki Assahi said.

what is shiatsu

Tatiana explained that shiatsu “is a very strong and precise therapeutic massage, in which the fingers, palms of the hands and even the elbows are used. The idea is to balance the body and mind through pressure on specific points.” The massage therapist also explained the meaning of the word: “shi means fingers and atsu means pressure. So finger pressure.”
Murielly added that shiatsu “aims to generate pressure at points along the body’s energy meridians.” She also mentioned that “it is necessary to know the channels and points, according to traditional Chinese medicine, in order to apply the technique, on the function of each channel and point”. Both stated that to do the massage it is necessary to take a shiatsu course.

7 benefits of shiatsu to convince you to receive the massage

Tatiana mentioned that in Japan shiatsu is done to prevent diseases. Murielly added: “generally it can be a technique that generates pain and consequent relief by the pressure of the points”. The two professionals cited seven benefits resulting from massage. Check out more about each of them:

• Balancing the flow of Qi: According to Murielly, “shiatsu helps balance vital energy, which in itself improves overall health.”
• Relief of muscle pain: “if the person has back pain or leg pain, for example, we use shiatsu to release these points”, explained Tatiana.
• Stimulates the elimination of toxins: Tatiana commented that “when you touch the person, you can see if they have excess toxins or an overloaded organ, so the massage therapist presses the dots to help eliminate these toxins”. She recommends drinking two glasses of water after the massage, to further contribute to this benefit.
• Pain relief in general: headaches and cramps were mentioned by the therapists. They explained that “pressure on certain points of the body helps to relieve pain, even contributing to the relaxation of the body.”
• Relaxation: both masseuses explained that “when the pressure is applied on the points it can hurt a little, however, afterwards the effect is the relaxation of the body.”
• Improves sleep: Both Tatiana and Murielly cited this benefit. They commented “it is directly related to the relaxation of the body, as the person is free from pain and tension, they end up sleeping more peacefully.”
• Prevents Illness and Health Problems: Murielly explained that “the technique improves immunity and the general condition of the body.”

Tatiana commented that she also works with reflexology and usually combines the technique with shiatsu, to direct a personalized massage to her patients, “focusing on what needs more attention”.
Murielly, on the other hand, mentioned the issue of the most painful points: “in my practice, I tend not to focus on painful points for a long time, alternating with others so as not to generate a reaction of natural tension that the patient usually has”. Keep following the article to find out how the massage session is and what points are worked on.

What a targeted shiatsu session looks like for what you need

Both professionals commented on how they perform the shiatsu sessions. Tatiana uses reflexology, but seeks to talk to the patient and find out “what is the job, posture addictions, if she has a good diet and exercises”. After this first moment, she will work with the points that need more attention. At the end of the session, the massage therapist applies a cream to help the person relax.
Murielly commented that: “the shiatsu session can last between 1h and 1h 30. The whole body is worked and we pay more attention to the region that the patient finds most tense or painful”. As for the amounts charged, the average price can vary between R$ 130 to R$ 350 reais, depending on the therapist, the location of the session and the time available for the service.

What are the points of shiatsu

Tatiana explained that |there are more than 800 shiatsu points, interconnected by meridians. That’s why it’s so important to know the person who will receive the massage, to know what to work on”. Among the points brought by both therapists, the following can be cited as the main ones:

• B10 to B60 (in the bladder canal path)
• LG4 and LG11 (spots in the gut canal)
• F2 and F3 (liver channel points)
• GB34, GB20, GB21, GB14 and GB15 (points over the head)
• C1 (located in the armpit)
• P9 (located on the wrist, close to the thumb)
• PC6 (located on the anterior surface of the forearm, close to the wrist)

As you can see, shiatsu, even though it is a more painful massage, has several benefits. What do you think about doing a session to try it out? Also, take the opportunity to learn about reflexology.