Want to go in for a massage? Try Shiatsu.

What is shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a traditional oriental therapy that had its origin in China, traveled to Japan and then finally to the West. The word ’shiatsu’ is of Japanese origin and is made up of two words “SHI” meaning “FINGER” and “ATSU” which means ” PRESSURE”.

The basic concept of this massage is to encourage a positive outlook to life. According to Shiatsu, the working of our body is guided by a ‘vital force’ which is energy or ‘Qi’. Thus in this massage, the fingers are used to apply pressure on various parts of the body to cure many diseases and ailments. Sometimes even the thumb, palm, elbow, knees and feet are used. Walking barefoot on the patient’s body too is not an unknown thing!

This technique is very similar to acupuncture however in acupuncture needles are used but in shiatsu it is the parts of the body that are used to apply pressure. Pressure is applied on the acupuncture points link to 915 as well as on general areas. Shiatsu is a much wider concept that includes stretching, joint rotation and manipulation and also very light holding techniques for spiritual healing. It thus helps create flexibility and restores balance in the body.

Shiatsu not only helps us get over specific ailments but also maintains overall health. It is known to be very effective in rectifying problems such as:

* Insomnia
* Back pain
* Headache
* Constipation
* Skin irritation
* Circulatory problems
* Multiple sclerosis
* Arthritis
* Menstrual problems
* Respiratory problems
* Reproductive problems
* Emotional problems
* Nervous system ailments
* Anxiety
* Stress
* Posture problems
* Behavior imbalances

The treatment

‘Touch’ is an integral part of shiatsu. It is the way in which the practitioner can communicate his love and compassion, in other words positive energy, to the patient so that the body balance can be restored.

The treatment takes nearly an hour or more each time and 3 or 4 sessions are spaced out in a time period of 4 to 6 weeks. However it is also guided by the nature of the problem.
The two basic techniques are:

* Stimulating, and
* Sedating

Pressure is applied for may be 2-3 minutes to a particular area. Sometimes the practitioner will apply pressure in different forms like rotating some part of the body, stretching some limb or simply holding. The end of the session will result in a relaxed and at times a sleepy person. So go ahead and take some rest.
After effects and cautions

Shiatsu is generally a very safe treatment that can even be practiced on children, pregnant women and the elderly. It is best to accompany it along with mindfulness meditation techniques. However, sometimes you may experience some after-effects like:

* Cough and cold
* Tiredness
* Emotional ups and downs
* Headache or some aches and pains

This is a sign that the treatment has had an effect. In fact, what it means is that the body is getting rid of unwanted foods, stress and tensions.
Keep these cautions in mind:.

* It should not be practiced or taken if there is high fever
* It should not be practiced or taken if there is some infection
* It should not be practiced or taken if there is a cut, bruise or inflammation of any sort.
* Never take or give shiatsu after a large meal.
* Always wear comfortable and loose fitting clothes.
* No pressure at any time should be applied to the varicose veins.
* The room in which it is practiced should always be quiet, warm and clean.

Try this oriental therapy and stay relaxed and stress free.

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Remember how your baby gurgled with joy when you massaged his soft petal-like skin and the way he slept contentedly in your arms after you had finished. A massage is one of the first contacts a newborn has with the world. Yes, it is the power of touch that shapes our lives from the very beginning.

A massage is the most basic manifestation of touch as it soothes, calms and imparts warmth and caring. It is a silent communication of affection and understanding between two individuals and a widely practiced form of stress management

Amongst its innumerable advantages, a massage releases tension from tired muscles, stimulates blood flow, eases stress, helps fluid drainage speeds up the elimination of wastes products by the body and more importantly, generates a sense of wholeness and peace. Massage thus greatly increases your sense of well-being, both physically and mentally.

Today, massage is a widely used and accepted technique to help your tired body and mind rejuvenate. There’s no better remedy than a languorous massage to relieve you of your tension and get rid of your aches and pains.

Aren’t there times when you have had a back-breaking day and wish that you could just lie down and have the luxury of a massage? Don?t worry, you can learn to give yourself a massage by learning a few simple techniques.

You can massage any specific area that you feel is tense, such as the scalp, the back of the neck, temples, shoulders, hands, lower back, calves and feet. Self-massage is particularly helpful in relieving aches and pains accumulated during the day, such as headache or tired feet. It is better if you can work directly on the skin but it not necessary. Massaging while having a bath or watching television is ideal. It can have the same impact as meditation.

Here’s how you can massage different parts of your body:

1. Face massage:

* Sit comfortably on a chair, preferably which has a back rest.
* Hold your palms over your eyes for a few seconds.
* Now move your hands up to your forehead and stroke firmly with your fingertips from the center outward.
* Repeat this several times.
* Place one or two fingertips on your temples and gently rub or use circular pressing movements.
* After a few seconds on each spot, move your fingertips up or down or behind a little.
* Repeat the movements.

2. Scalp and neck:

* Spread out your fingertips over the scalp.
* Press firmly and try to move your scalp.
* Now place the middle three fingers of each hand on either side of the spine, starting just below the head, and firmly stroke outwards for a few seconds.
* Move your fingertips lower down and repeat the movements until you have covered your entire neck.

3. Back:

* Place your hand on either side of the lower back with the fingers first pointing downward and make deep stroking outward movements several times.
* Repeat the process after moving your hands gradually upwards.
* Use kneading movements and squeeze a small portion of areas of the right palm and wrist using squeezing movements.
* Knead your fingers and thumb up or down.
* Now turn the hand palm downwards and rub the knuckles and all the areas of your hand.
* Repeat the movements as you move a little further up each time, thus covering the entire arm.
* Repeat on the other side.

4. Legs and thighs:

* Sit on the floor and bend your right knee with your foot resting firmly on the ground.
* Start low down on the calf and work gradually upwards as far as you can go on the back of the thigh.
* Stroke deeply upwards and downward with both hands.
* Rub with the thumbs or fingertips to relieve localized tension.
* Rub by moving the fingers and the thumb in the opposite direction.
* Repeat on the other side.

5. Feet:

* Rest your right ankle over your left knee.
* Hold the foot in one hand and with the thumb of the other hand rub the entire sole, moving the thumb little by little after three to four seconds of rubbing over each spot.
* In addition, give deep strokes with the heel of your right hand while supporting the foot in your left hand.
* Grasp each toe between the thumb and the index finger.
* Pull it outwards and stretch the muscles and tendons. Repeat on the other foot.
* For the purpose of reducing stress, the most useful part of the body to concentrate on is the neck, shoulders and forehead.

6. Forehead:

* Sit in a relaxed position.
* Place the fingertips of your right hand on your right eyebrow.
* Using good pressure, slowly slide your fingertips outward along each eyebrow until you reach the temple.
* Using small circular movements, massage this area.
* Bring fingertips back together and repeat the process, working your way up the forehead until you reach the hairline.
* Finally spend a few minutes with your hands cupped over your eyes, with fingers resting on your overhead.

7. Neck & shoulders:

* Sit in a relaxed position.
* Place your right hand on your left shoulder.
* Using a kneading action, massage your tense and knotty muscles in the neck and shoulder area.
* Repeat several times.
* Change arms and repeat on the other shoulder.
* Again, using opposite hands and shoulders, place your right hand on the top of your left shoulder and make small circular movements with your fingertips on the back of your shoulder working outwards from the spine to the top of your arm.
* Repeat several times and then change arms and repeat on the other shoulder.

Try any of these massages and rediscover that the power of healing lies in your own hands.

In today’s fast-paced life, where you are running from place to place, trying to meet deadlines and coping with the growing demands of your job and home, relaxation has indeed become a luxury few can afford. However, your mind and body need occasional bouts of rest to be able to perform well. What better way to rest than to simply learn a few relaxation techniques. These are simple, can be done anywhere and have the desired result.

There are exercises to cure you of your stiff muscles or if you’ve been working too long on a computer and your eyes are hurting because of the strain, you can relax those too. Here’s how to:

1. Relax your eyes

* Sit with your head squarely on your shoulders and widen your eyes as much as you can.
* Keep your head still and raise your eyes to look towards the ceiling. Hold this position for a slow count of 5.
* Now roll your eyes slowly round to your right. Focus on something and hold it for a slow count of 5.
* Keeping your head still, roll your eyes down, focus and hold for a slow count of 5.
* Now roll your eyes to the left, focus and hold for a slow count of 5.
* Roll your eyes upwards again and repeat in the other direction.
* Finally close your eyes and let your head and shoulders relax

Here is another relaxation exercise to soothe all those areas of your body which get tense.

First, close your eyes and quieten your body and mind. Focus on different parts of your body.

2. Shoulders:

* Lift your shoulders. When you feel the muscles really tense hold the position for five seconds and then release.
* Pull the shoulders down and hold for five seconds and release.
* Now focus on the right arm.
* Bend the arm back at the elbow until the biceps feels tense, hold for five seconds and release.

3. Buttocks: Clench your muscles. Hold and then release.

4. Abdomen: Pull in the muscles as tightly as possible. Hold then release.

5. Neck:

* Tilt the head forward, feeling tension on the back of the neck.
* Hold then release.
* Tilt the head to the left, feeling tension on the right.
* Hold then release.
* Do the same for the right side.

6. Fists:

* Clench your fist.
* Hold then release.
* Stretch your fingers and thumbs out.
* Hold then release.

7. Legs:

* Point your toes away from your body.
* Feel the thigh muscles.
* Stretch them.
* Hold, then release.
* Bend the foot in at the ankle until the calf is tense.
* Hold then release.
* Curl the toes and arch the foot.
* Hold then release.

8. Face:

* Clench your jaw as tightly as possible.
* Hold, then release.
* Smile broadly.
* Hold then release.
* Close the eyes tightly.
* Hold, then release.
* Raise the eyebrows.
* Hold, then release.

While relaxing, let your body relax. Breathe slowly, taking shallow breaths from the abdomen. Think of a pleasant experience or an event in your life that makes you feel good. Imagine yourself walking along the beach, water lapping around your ankles and your feet gently sinking in the sand. You are feeling warm and relaxed. Stay with that feeling and image for five minutes. Open your eyes and stretch. Spend a few quiet minutes simply enjoying the feeling of calm.