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Based on Chinese medicine, Shiatsu has been shown to relieve various medical ailments and provide a renewed sense of healthy living. That might be why over 39 million Americans are taking the Eastern approach to massage therapy; over half are getting a “thumbs-up” recommendation from their healthcare providers.

What is Shiatsu Massage?

The name “Shiatsu” stems from the Japanese term for “finger pressure.” Massage therapists apply pressure using their thumbs, hands, elbows, knees, or feet to the body’s pressure points (or meridians), focusing on rotating and stretching those pressure points along with the patient’s limbs and joints. Contrary to Western medicine, which commonly treats disease and illness with medication, Eastern medicine practices balance the body and mind with its surroundings.

How does Shiatsu work?

It’s believed that applying pressure to specific points on the body promotes energy flow by regulating the automatic nervous system and stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic, and hormonal systems.

The philosophy behind Shiatsu massage is that our bodies are comprised of energy, also known as “chi,” and the flow of that energy becomes blocked, thus contributing to a wide range of illnesses. This relaxing therapy can improve imbalances within the body while helping to heal common conditions and ailments. Shiatsu massage therapy is an excellent approach to revitalizing the body’s internal energy system while improving overall health.

What does Shiatsu do?

Patients are seeing a variety of benefits from Shiatsu therapy. Here are just a few ways Shiatsu massage may help heal the body and mind:

• Relief of joint pain, sprains, arthritis, sciatica, acute and chronic neck and back pain
• Increasing range of motion
• Regaining energy levels related to combat fatigue and overall weakness
• Improving circulation
• Relief of sinusitis, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems
• Reducing stress and tension
• Regaining better posture
• Help with insomnia
• Aiding in the treatment of several ailments, including digestive disorders, bowel trouble, morning sickness, and menstrual pain

Swedish Institute is one of the few institutions offering a Massage Therapy program in Five Element Shiatsu. Learn more about our program and how you can become part of this select group.