What Is A Shiatsu Massage and What Are The Benefits?

Shiatsu Massage is an ancient Japanese mat-based massage that uses a combination of acupressure points, gentle manipulation and stretching to balance the body’s energy flow. It’s among the most popular massage therapies, and is used to promote relaxation, increase healing, reduce tension and aid in the treatment of various health conditions. 

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In this blog post, we’ll discuss all you need to know about the art of the Shiatsu Massage. From the many benefits to the risks, to how it compares to other massages, we’ll show you what to expect from a Shiatsu massage session and more. 

The Shiatsu Massage is performed by hands, thumbs and other body parts. The practice can be performed through loose clothing, and it does not require the use of oils or other substances. While the massage is traditionally carried out using the hands, and some would argue this is the best way to perform it, there has been an increase in the popularity of Shiatsu massage machines in recent times. The two main types of machines are a Shiatsu massage chair and a portable Shiatsu machine. The portable machines usually have two straps that are held at the front, which means the machine can support the top of the shoulders and neck. The massage chairs are generally much bigger and offer a far more all-encompassing massage experience. 

Shiatsu adopts a holistic approach to therapy. The practice aims to improve a person’s overall health by affecting their internal energy system. Some of the potential benefits include: 

Whilst scientific research to support the use of Shiatsu is relatively limited, it has to be said that all of the studies to date are overwhelmingly positive. 

For example, a 2019 study found that combining Shiatsu with standard forms of treatment for lower back pain improves symptoms shortly after the session. Similarly, self-application of Shiatsu has also been found to improve young people’s sleep as well as help with chronic pain. Another study found that Shiatsu massages proved effective for inducing spontaneous labour in women with post-term pregnancy. 

If you decide to opt for a Shiatsu massage performed by a professional therapist, this may be what you can expect. 

Shiatsu is a gentle, non-invasive therapy. It involves a blend of kneading, pressing, tapping, and stretching techniques that are designed to alleviate tension and revitalise the body.

Shiatsu harmonises with the body's natural energy flow (known as Ki or Qi, and pronounced “chee”). Through acupressure, it helps to release tension and restore balance within the body. This therapy can uplift your mood and promote deep relaxation.

While Shiatsu massages share similarities to other famous types of massages, there are some notable distinctions. 

Swedish and Shiatsu massages are often closely associated because both practices involve the use of hands and palms to perform manual movements around the body. However, there are some clear differences between the two practices. 

Firstly, Swedish massages require the use of oil, while a Shiatsu massage does not. Secondly, Shiatsu massages focus on pressure points, while Swedish massages focus on muscles and connective tissues. Some of the techniques used in Swedish massages include effleurage, petrissage, percussion, and friction. None of these techniques are typically used in Shiatsu.

Notable similarities between Thai and Shiatsu Massages include the fact that they are dry massages, and both focus on improving energy throughout the body. However, they differ in their primary focus. Shiatsu concentrates on providing deep pressure to the meridians, whereas Thai massages target relieving tension and improving flexibility and circulation. 

Unsurprisingly, Shiatsu and deep tissue massages are quite different. Shiatsu massages adopt a holistic approach to balancing energy flow in the body, whereas deep tissue massages focus on specific points such as injured muscles and chronic muscle tension. 

There are multiple ways to carry out this ancient Japanese massage. Generally speaking, you’ll use the thumbs, fingers, and palms to perform the treatment. If it follows acupuncture, the practitioner applies pressure to specific points on the body. The person receiving the massage lies flat on a table or floor during the session.

The practitioner begins by working on the back and upper body using kneading and pressing techniques. Certain areas require the therapist to hold pressure for a period of time, employing a press-and-hold method to alleviate various types of body pain.

In Japanese, Shiatsu literally means ‘finger pressure.’ This may be indicative of why the massagers tend to utilise fingers, thumbs, knuckles and palms. 

Generally speaking, Shiatsu is a safe practice. However, there are some people who may need to avoid this type of massage. Patients with the following conditions may wish to consult with a health professional before booking a massage: 

If you’re interested in learning more about the art of Shiatsu massages, then why not enrol in our Shiatsu Massage Diploma Course? For the discounted price of £29 (instead of the original £127), you can become an expert in no time. You can also access this course by joining Grow: our fantastic subscription service. 

With Grow Yearly, just £192 per year (i.e. £16 per month) will let you study our full Shiatsu Massage course plus 11 other courses of your choice (including a range of other massage courses). You’ll also be able to pick 12 audio courses to listen to! Grow includes a 10% reduction on printed materials and certificates as standard, plus exclusive discounts and reward points that you can redeem for wonderful prizes. So what are you waiting for? Enrol today!