Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese style of massage that’s been easing people’s pain for thousands of years. Unlike the Western-style Swedish massage, shiatsu doesn’t use massage oil and focuses on energy centers, rather than the whole back. Read on to learn more about shiatsu and discover if it could work for you.

What is shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic massage that was first developed in Japan. It’s based on calming the body through energy therapy. In a shiatsu treatment, a therapist will work to improve the flow of energy through pathways called meridians. These meridians can become blocked through muscle tension and other problems; when a therapist clears the pathways, qi, or life energy, can freely flow through them. Unlike Western massage, which uses broad strokes with the entire palm, shiatsu delivers a more localized touch with the fingertips. A therapist will use his or her fingers and thumbs to push and rub the places on your back the may block energy. This is called pressure point therapy, and it can be mildly uncomfortable if you have a lot of built-up tension. Most people don’t find shiatsu painful, however; they enjoy the sensation of pressure point massage, even if it’s a bit startling at times.

What happens during shiatsu?

Shiatsu is one of the few massage treatments available that allows recipients to remain fully clothed. Unlike Swedish massage-derived therapies, shiatsu doesn’t use massage oil. There are not long strokes, so the oil isn’t necessary to prevent friction. If you’re worried about nudity at the spa, shiatsu is a good option. When you arrive for your shiatsu appointment, you will begin with a consultation with your therapist. He or she will ask you if you have any tension or stiffness in your back and what you hope to accomplish with the therapy. Then, you’ll be placed either on a mat on the floor or on a very low massage table. The therapist will lean over you or kneel beside you and begin the treatment. Pressing into your back with fingers can feel very intense at first, but most people relax and enjoy shiatsu after a few minutes. In fact, many recipients find shiatsu to be just as relaxing as a Swedish massage. The therapist should continue the treatment with rhythmic motions up and down your back until your time expires. Then, you’ll be given a summary of your therapist’s findings and suggestions for how to improve energy flow in your life. Afterward, you’ll have a few minutes to readjust before leaving the treatment room.

Who should get shiatsu treatment?

Shiatsu isn’t for people who’ve never received a massage. If it’s your first time at a spa, go for a Swedish treatment. Shiatsu is a good choice for people who have had massages in the past and enjoyed them, but who want to experience a more intense, localized treatment to relieve tension. If you found a Swedish massage to be too gentle, shiatsu may be right for you. Like most massages, shiatsu has been shown to help with some minor medical problems. Back and shoulder pain, cramping, arthritis pain, poor digestion, and poor circulation can all be treated with shiatsu. It can also help anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Always talk to your doctor before embarking on a course of massage therapy to treat a medical problem; some people shouldn’t receive massages, so it’s a good idea to check.

Where can I get a shiatsu treatment?

More and more spas are offering shiatsu nowadays. Most large day spas and many resort spas now provide shiatsu services, as do many other facilities interested in alternative medicine. Shiatsu has been a bit of a craze in recent years, so hip, urban spas may be more likely to offer it. Therapists do have to be specially trained in shiatsu technique to perform the massage, and not all spas employ these people. Some small spas may not have the space available for a floor massage either. When in doubt, call. Some mechanical products are now being marketed as able to give shiatsu-style massage. These massage chairs and handheld devices deliver a rolling motion up and down the back. While products that claim to be shiatsu-like can be very enjoyable, they’re not really close to the real thing.

How much will Shiatsu cost?

Shiatsu treatments are middle-of-the-road services at most spas. That doesn’t mean they’re cheap, but they won’t be the most expensive option available to you either. Expect to pay about $80 to $90 for an hour-long treatment at a decent facility. Of course, you could spend much more at a high-end spa.

Take-away tips:

Unlike many massage styles available at spas, shiatsu isn’t based on Swedish techniques. It was developed in Japan and, therefore, takes a different approach. Instead of long, sweeping strokes, you’ll experience targeted pressing motions with the fingers. Shiatsu works to restore energy flow along the body’s meridian’s, or energy pathways. You can wear loose clothing during shiatsu, which makes this treatment a good choice for patrons worried about spa nudity.