A massage is a popular form of alternative therapy, with many spas and parlours in Australia often offering more than one type. While Swedish is one type that’s most commonly seen, other people may prefer other kinds of massage, such as Shiatsu, if their goal isn’t just relaxation. 

What is Shiatsu? 

Shiatsu, which translates to “finger pressure”, is one of three main bodywork systems resulting from a resurgence of Japan’s traditional medical therapies in the 1900s. Shiatsu itself is the result of Japanese bodywork therapies combined with modern Western medical knowledge during that period. 

This kind of therapeutic bodywork uses kneading, tapping, pressing, and stretching techniques. Because of the nature of the massage, therapists who practise it don’t use oils, though they may use elbows and knees as well as their hands during the session.

Who Benefits the Most from Shiatsu Therapy? 

Anyone and everyone can benefit from massage therapy, and since Shiatsu is a form of massage, that means anyone can benefit from it, too. However, some studies have shown that Shiatsu is particularly helpful to people suffering from any of the following conditions:

• Anxiety

A small study in 2015 found that Shiatsu may affect neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing dopamine and serotonin levels. Because of this, the therapy may help reduce anxiety. 

• Stress and Poor Sleep

People suffering from fatigue or poor sleep quality can find relief with the help of Shiatsu. This kind of bodywork can help treat or at least lessen the pain that could be keeping one awake as well as help one relax more, leading to better sleep quality and therefore less stress and fatigue. 

• Headaches

Shiatsu can also help those suffering from bad headaches and even migraines by helping to reduce stress and musculoskeletal pain. This therapy also helps to lessen muscle stiffness and stimulate the skin to heal itself, not to mention improve digestion and bowel movement.

• Neck and Back Pain

On top of that, Shiatsu can help people who suffer from chronic neck and back pain. While the nature of this type of bodywork may make that statement sound counterintuitive, the pressure from the massage helps to loosen up any particularly tight areas, improving blood flow and relieving tension and thus lessening the occurrence of pain in those areas. 

Can Everyone Undergo a Shiatsu Therapy?

Unfortunately, there are instances where someone can’t or shouldn’t opt for Shiatsu therapy. For instance, someone with a contagious illness, such as the flu or chickenpox, shouldn’t get Shiatsu. Those with broken bones, burns, open wounds or rashes should also avoid this type of bodywork. 

In other instances, though, people with certain conditions can opt for Shiatsu as long as special precautions are taken. Pregnant women will have to lie on their side and the therapist will have to adjust the massage to account for the different positions of the client. Therapists will also have to use gentle pressure only when working on people with a limited range of motion, have poor immune systems, and those who have recently had surgery. 

Given all that, you can see that Shiatsu is, in fact, an effective form of massage therapy, especially for certain conditions. So if you feel you would benefit greatly from Shiatsu therapy, there’s no reason not to go ahead and book an appointment. If you’re not sure who to call, or you’re looking for more information about a shiatsu therapy in Sydney, check out this page.