One of the most natural and effective ways to relieve stress is through a full body massage, or more accurately a Shiatsu massage. Shiatsu means finger pressure, and this pressure is used to balance and release the flow of energy or ‘ki’ in the body in places where it’s overstimulated or blocked. This style of massage is designed to be comfortable and relaxing for the recipient. It’s also simple and one of the most popular options for immediate stress relief.
Basics of the Shiatsu Technique
A Shiatsu massage is a full body massage that includes the pushing and pulling of the arms, legs and other body parts. The full list of body parts that will be pushed and pulled include:
- Neck
- Legs
- Back
- Feet
- Hands
- Chest
- Back
- Shoulders
- Head
- Abdomen
During the massage, the limbs will be chopped and kneaded with the hands and static finger pressure will be applied at the blocked or overstimulated points on the body. This will clear these blockages, and allow the energy to flow freely through the body once again. Free-flowing energy causes the body to become both relaxed and energized.
How Shiatsu Clears Energy Blockages
There is a network of energy channels or meridians on the body that ki flows through. Energy flows to the nervous system through pathways in this network, providing a steady supply of energy. However, blockages in this network can hinder the flow of energy, and cause tension, irritation, local pain, or certain illnesses.
A shiatsu massage effectively clears these blockages, releasing tension, and causing the body to become both energized and relaxed. Human touch also has the power to relax the entire body, causing the recipient to fall into a deeper state of consciousness that’s a lot like a sleep state.
Shiatsu and Stress Relief
Life can be busy, stressful, and tense for many people, as they struggle to balance their home life, work life, and social life. This struggle can lead to a build up of stress that is more evident than most people realize. Some of the symptoms of stress include, insomnia, headaches, irritability, and the inability to feel relaxed at all.
Stress causes muscle and body tension, as well as imbalances in the body and the brain. This will cause the vital energy around the body to become blocked or constricted, which will lead to discomfort or pain. Many forms of therapeutic massage can relieve tension, but Shiatsu is the best option. This is because it combines the unblocking of energy with tension release.
Unfortunately, while most people might want the instantaneous relief of Shiatsu, not everyone has the time or money to get a full body massage whenever they want it. But, a Shiatsu massage chair can provide the same results as the human massage, and it can even be seen as a healthy investment for those who need stress relief often. Prices vary, but there are some that can be purchased for less than $500. In the long run, this is more affordable and more convenient than massage sessions.
Conclusion
In a world that’s full of high energy activities, tense situations, time restrictions, and many other pressures, stress is sure to become a part of many people’s lives. Fortunately, there are things like the Shiatsu massage that can clear this stress away while energizing and relaxing the body. Shiatsu is an old practice that has become popular for its many benefits. It’s an effective tool for stress relief and in many ways, a life-saver.