14 March 2008

Day Spa, Massage, Beauty

So why is it called the Spa Capital of Australia?

Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are reputed to have more therapists per capita than anywhere in Australia. If you visit the area you will believe it. Day Spas are popping up like mushrooms and if you can't find the type of massage or spa you want here, it probably doesn't exist.

Hepburn Springs has been popular for decades and decades (originally an escape for the wealthy of Melbourne which can be seen in many of the older buildings) but it is the modern stressed filled lifestyle that has resurrected such interest in this region.

The original was the Hepburn Spa Complex (yes, in Hepburn Springs). Known as the Bathhouse it has been operating since 1895 when it had only two baths to soak in. It is still in operation but now has many private baths, a public swimming area, salt water pool and every therapy you can imagine. They still use mineral water from their own private source.

The popularity of Spa country has been helped by it's close proximity to Melbourne. Depending where you live, it can only take a little over an hour to get to Daylesford or Hepburn Springs. The undulating scenery is spectacular and with shopping and cafes to match anywhere why would you have a spa anywhere else.

Price around as you can spend anywhere from $50 to $1,000 for your treatment depending on how long and how much you want. The smaller independents can be a lot less expensive.

Regards

PWT


A Day Spa or Retreat is an integral part of modern day life offering a needed respite from the stresses encountered every day. They offer a place to soak away your worries in a luxurious spa with scented oils, aromatic bubbles or even chocolate milk. Follow this with a relaxation, hot stone or even a deep tissue massage if you're feeling brave. Try a salt scrub, skin brushing or mud wrap to re-vitalise the body and feel really pampered. To top of your day there is nothing like an aromatic facial with a soothing scalp massage. Bliss, Bliss, Bliss.

The main objective of beauty therapy is to improve the outward appearance of the client. This can be done with make-up, waxing, cosmetic tattooing or more therapeutic modalities such as electrolysis, massage therapy, lymphatic drainage or non-surgical face lifting. A beauty therapist can analyses your skin condition with observation and questions as well as equipment designed to measure sebum and moisture levels. They then determine what type of treatment will re-balance your skin and enhance its appearance.

What is Beauty Therapy?

It is very difficult to define beauty therapy. Most associations and colleges don't specifically state what beauty therapy is. The profession goes under many names including cosmetologist, beautician, beauty specialist, aesthetician and aesthetic therapist.

The main objective of beauty therapy is to improve the outward appearance of the client. This can be done with make-up, waxing, cosmetic tattooing or more therapeutic modalities such as electrolysis, massage therapy, lymphatic drainage or non-surgical face lifting.

Beauty therapist are highly trained including studies in in anatomy and physiology, bacteriology, chemistry, skin disorders and nutrition. Many forms of beauty therapy also use an holistic approach to determine the effects of stress on the overall appearance and well being of their clients.

A beauty therapist can analyses your skin condition with observation and questions as well as equipment designed to measure sebum and moisture levels. They then determine what type of treatment will re-balance your skin and enhance its appearance

The duties of a massage therapist includes facials, relaxation massage, waxing, makeovers and skin treatments. Depending on training many other treatments may be on offer.

Day Spa numbers are growing incredible fast as the market becomes ever more demanding for an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Services include massage, facials, spa, wraps, vichi showers, mud baths and much more. Massage has so many strings to it's bow it would be hard to name them all but many of the well known styles are swedish, relaxation, remedial, hot stone, aromatharapy, deep tissue and hawaiian. Beauty Therapy is similar in nature to Day Spas but usually offer traditional services including waxing, skin analysis, eyelash tinting and makeovers.

If you are going to a day spa it is almost compulsory to have a massage. Massage really is a gift to mankind being one of the oldest forms of therapy known. The stress of daily life takes a toll on the body and massage is the perfect antidote for all those woes. The are many types of massage available, the most popular at a day spa being relaxation massage usually based on swedish massage. If you are feeling like something different try a traditional relaxation style like hot stone massage or lomi lomi.

Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is performed by an Aromatherapist. Aromatherapy massage uses a blend of essential and carrier oils to massage into the body. Aromatherapy blends have been used as far back as ancient Egypt and India. The therapist consults with the patient, then blends a massage oil specifically for their needs. There are also many standard aromatherapy blends for stress, muscular pain, etc.

Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy is a remedial bodywork technique that is gentle and relaxing. It uses the body's own healing ability to achieve balance and harmony, which can result in lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Sometimes benefits may be seen after the first session. A Bowen treatment consists of small moves at a specific sites on the body. There are many forms of and styles developed from Bowen on the market today including Bowtech, Autogenic Reflex Technique, and Myopractic.

Is it really Bowen?

Tom Bowen only trained a handful of people yet I hear of so many people supposedly trained by this remarkable therapist. Now there are so many styles based on Bowen that some of them are unrecognisableto the original techniques. I guess we have to remember there was only one true Bowen technique and that died with the master. Fortunately many interpretations Tom Bowen's technique are there for us to learn or experience.

Bowen technique is a remedial body therapy using soft tissue manipulations on various points of the body. Bowen therapy was developed in Australia by Tom Bowen. Mr. Tom Bowen was born in 1916 and lived until 1982. Although born in Brunswick, a suburb of Melbourne he practiced in Geelong. Tome Bowen was well known around Geelong for his work with local football clubs and eventually led to his opening a full time practice.

A treatment consists of a series of specific sequences with pauses of several minute in between to allow time for the body to respond. Tom Bowen never explained how his system of healing worked - only to say that it did work. Many theories have developed since the time of his death.

A Bowen treatment lasts from 15-45 minutes. It is best done on the skin although some therapists work through light clothing. During a Bowen session, the practitioner uses thumbs and fingers to make rolling type moves on different muscles or tendons of the body. Some therapists like to leave the room during the response time. During the pauses, the body has time to make its own adjustments, which help relieve tension and reduce pain. Most people experience pain relief after just one session. Two or three treatments at around 3-5 days are usually enough to achieve long-lasting relief.

Corporate Massage

Corporate massage (also known as on-site or workplace) offers the advantage of massage therapists coming to your business location. Because of long hours at the computer, dealing with customers, or just for a treat for your staff corporate massage can help revitalise and refresh. Most therapists work through your clothes and it can be done will seated at the desk. Consider offering massage at your next corporate function or meeting. Workcover requires adequate protection and prevention for your staff so it may even be tax deductible.

Mobile or In-House Massage

Mobile massage therapists come to you. To your home, your office, your accommodation, sporting event or factory. Mobile therapies are often grouped by what type of massage is offered. Corporate massage (also known as workplace) is aimed at providing a massage in the office or workplace.

Corporate massage (also known as on-site or workplace massage) offers the advantage of massage therapists coming to your business location. Because of long hours at the computer, dealing with customers, or just for a treat for your staff corporate massage can help revitalise and refresh. Most therapists work through your clothes and it can be done will seated at the desk. Consider offering massage at your next corporate function or meeting. Workcover requires adequate protection and prevention for your staff so it may even be tax deductible.

Smart companies are now using corporate massage as an incentive to attract, retain and reward employees. Corporate massage can boost productivity by revitalising the mind and body. It helps to make your employees feel valued.

Seated massage is great for small areas like an office. Most of the corporate and event massage (other than sporting events) will be performed by seated massage therapists. Seated massage is also called chair massage. A specially designed massage chair is provided so you can get comfortable in a limited space. The massage is performed through your clothes so there is no concerns about undressing or messy lubricants.

Seated Massage

Most of the corporate and event massage (other than sporting events) will be performed by seated massage therapists. Seated massage is also called chair massage. A specially designed massage chair is provided so you can get comfortable in a limited space. The massage is performed through your clothes so there is no concerns about undressing or messy lubricants.

A seated chair massage uses a specially designed massage chair (although there are devices with a headrest that attaches to your desk so you sit on your own chair) while you are massaged usually with acupressure techniques to knead, press and rub specific points where tension accumulates in your shoulders neck and back. Seated chair massage is performed fully clothed and without the use of any oils or creams focusing on the head, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and back.

Appointments for seated massage usually go for around 15 minutes. This is a good time as the person will relax and refresh but not fall into deep relaxation. Much better for work output.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapists apply a subtle movement of the spinal and cranial bones to bring the central nervous system into harmony. Gently working with the spine, the skull's cranial sutures, and fascia allows the restrictions of nerve passages to be eased. The movement of Cerebrospinal Fluid through the spinal cord can be maximised. This is very good for reducing stress, jaw problems and general debility.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy developed from the work of an American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland in the early 1900s. It was further developed by Dr John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the craniosacral system. This system comprises of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Craniosacral therapy has been an integral part of many osteopaths techniques for some time but has recently been seen used by bodyworkers and as a branch on it's own. It started with work of American osteopath, Dr William Sutherland early last century. It was further developed by Dr John E. Upledger (President of The Upledger Institute) later in the century following extensive scientific studies.

Craniosacral therapists use soft holding techniques to release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. In a craniosacral session, the therapist will usually place their hands lightly on your body to identify any restrictions or blockages in your craniosacral system. The therapist then uses a light touch to adjust the blockages that inhibit the body's normal, self-correcting tendencies. The therapist can feel a CSF pulse as the minute adjustments are made. Craniosacral therapy is a deeply relaxing form of therapy.

Deep Tissue Massage

Not for the feint hearted. Deep Tissue Massage utilises strong, deep techniques to penetrate the deeper tissues of the body. The deeper muscles can be massaged by the superficial muscles using sustained pressure. It attepmts to break up scar tissue and muscular adhesions thereby allowing increased movement and reduction of pain. Deep Tissue Therapists may combine techniques including deep muscle therapy, connective tissue massage and pressure point therapy.

But is it deep tissue massage?

I saw an advertisement for a spa recently advertising deep tissue massage. Unfortunately their description showed they didn't even know what deep tissue massage was. Many therapists think it is just a deep massage with lots of pain. Anyone can do a deep massage but few have the skills to perform a deep tissue massage.

You will find many, many different descriptions of deep tissue massage if you search the web. If you think everyone has a different opinion, most do. Deep tissue massage encompasses many styles of massage and philosophy but the underlying principle is it must be deep. Deep does not have to mean painful, although it can be uncomfortable.

Basically long, slow gliding techniques are used to get to to the deeper tissues of the musculoskeletal system. Frequently the deeper layers are massaged (almost squeezed between) the superficial layers and the bones underneath.

Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage involves traditional forms of relaxation massage combined with warmed essential oils and heated stones. Long gliding strokes are used to bring about a deep relaxation. As one stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another. Smooth, heated basalt stones are also placed on specific acupressure points on the body to melt away knots, tension and stress. The hot stone massage relieves pain and promotes harmony, peace and balance.

Hot Stone Massage

Since a few years ago, the idea of using hot stone massage has become widely accepted as a great addition to the world of massages. It's present in the healthcare industry for a good reason. In the previous four years, this type of massage has become the in-thing of spas, clinics, salons, and therapeutic centers across the globe.

There are many theories as to the origins of hot stone massage also known as hot rock massage, la stone massage or heated stone therapy, but it is known to have been used in ancient India using Ayurveda traditions. Heated river bed rocks would be warmed using hot water or coals and then used on the body to treat discomfort.

The stones are mainly volcanic rocks such as basalt of various sizes, shapes and weights. The stones vary from around the diameter of a 10 cent piece to be very large and weighing 11/2 kilos in weight.

Stone layout can be along both sides of the the spine, or along the chakra centers on the back or front of the body as well as medium sized stones placed in the hands. The points trigger healing in the body, while the massage is aided by the heat of the stones. The hot stone therapist is massaging the client with oiled, heated stones held in the palm of the hand using light, medium or deep massaging techniques along the muscles of the legs, arms, and torso areas at the same time.

Infant Massage

Infant massage is usually taught to the parent so they can massage their own baby. Science has proven that touch between mother and baby is very important during the early months to develop a bond to help the baby thrive and grow into a happy well adjusted child. Infant massage helps the baby to relax and can promote better sleep. Infant massage is reputed to help with colic, constipation, and strengthen the immune and nervous systems.

Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massage is the use of massage to heal mental and bodily aches and strains. Also known as manipulative therapy, therapeutic massage provides physical and psychological benefits. Physically, the effects of massage include injury healing, pain management and circulation improvement.

Infant massage is usually taught to the parent so they can massage their own baby. Science has proven that touch between mother and baby is very important during the early months to develop a bond to help the baby thrive and grow into a happy well adjusted child. Infant massage helps the baby to relax and can promote better sleep. Infant massage is reputed to help with colic, constipation, and strengthen the immune and nervous systems.

Lomi Lomi and Hawaiian Massage

Lomi Lomi is an ancient massage performed by Hawaiians. Handed down through Polynesian families for generations Lomi Lomi' has various believed to mean 'massage', 'rubbing', or 'love through the palm'. Lomi Lomi and Hawaiian massage free the nergy blocks in the body. Hawaiian massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Under body and full body strokes help to free the energy, make the body soft, promoting free and abundant flow of life energy in the recipient.

Lomi Lomi has become very popular in recent years with courses and therapists being promoted in all major cities. It is not a new therapy but rather a massage style based on ancient teachings. It is a very relaxing style of massage using long flowing strokes with the forearms and hands. The patient is put into a state of very deep relaxation some describe as spiritual.

Lomi Lomi is an ancient massage performed by Hawaiians. Handed down through Polynesian families for generations Lomi Lomi' has various meanings including 'massage', 'rubbing', or 'love through the palm'. Lomi Lomi and Hawaiian massage free the energy blocks in the body. Hawaiian massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Under body and full body strokes help to free the energy, make the body soft, promoting free and abundant flow of life energy in the recipient.

Lomi Lomi is based on the Hawaiian philosophy of Huna which assumes that everything in the universe wants harmony, love and balance, so imbalance causes ailments of the human body. The continuous, flowing strokes of Lomi Lomi corrects these imbalances nurturing the body and enabling the patient to relax. Releasing energy blockages, stress and tension; assisting in the flow of blood and lymph; and stimulating the elimination of wastes and toxins are all part of what Lomi Lomi facilitates giving healing at a mental, emotional and spiritual level.

A Lomi Lomi session starts with an attunement with the practitioner's hands resting on the patient's back. A quiet blessing or prayer for the healing of his or her patient may be said. The therapist then intuitively massages the patient with a fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands.

Mobile & In-house Massage

Mobile massage (also known as in-house) is a system where the massage therapist comes to your residence, hotel or business. Although some offer seated massage most will bring a portable massage table with linen and massage oils and creams. A mobile massage will usually cost you more but has the convenience of not having to leave the comfort of your own room.

Mobile or In-House Massage

Mobile massage therapists come to you. To your home, your office, your accommodation, sporting event or factory. Mobile therapies are often grouped by what type of massage is offered. Corporate massage (also known as workplace) is aimed at providing a massage in the office or workplace.

Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial release therapy uses techniques to stretch the fascia and the muscles. The technique is guided by feedback the therapist feels from the patient's body. Some techniques are very light (myofascial stretching) that slowly heat and relax tissue allowing it to elongate. Other myofascial techniques uses sustained pressure very deeply to break up scar tissue and restrictions (sustained myofascial tension). Myofascial release is very good for chronic restrictions.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release targets the muscles and the fascia. The muscles of our body give the body form and, by expanding and contracting, they enable movement. The fascia is the connective tissue that covers and connects the muscles, organs and bones. It is located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone. Muscle and fascia are collectively called the Myofascial system.

Myofascial release therapy uses techniques to stretch the fascia and the muscles. The technique is guided by feedback the therapist feels from the patient's body. Some techniques are very light (myofascial stretching) that slowly heat and relax tissue allowing it to elongate. Other myofascial techniques uses sustained pressure very deeply to break up scar tissue and restrictions (sustained myofascial tension). Myofascial release is very good for chronic restrictions.

Neuromuscular Therapy

The nervous system and muscles, working together to permit movement, is known as the neuromuscular system. Neuromuscular therapy uses techniques developed and adapted to the relieve neuromuscular conditions. It is a clinical approach to massage using assessment and treatment skills for the relief of soft tissue dysfunction. Neuromuscular therapy has developed from the knowledge gained in the last half of the 20th century of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems.

Neuromuscular Therapy

Neuromuscular therapy is a system of soft tissue massage techniques that were developed in the 1930's by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. Neuromuscular therapy aims to balance the central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system correct any disorders brought about as a result of any imbalances between the two.

Neuromuscular therapists are trained in the physiology of the nervous system and its effect on the muscular and skeletal systems as well as kinesiology ( study of human movement) and biomechanics ( study of the mechanics of a living body) .

Neuromuscular Therapy is a comprehensive program of soft tissue manipulation techniques that balance the central nervous system with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system with use of soft tissue techniques. The techniques manipulate the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to balance the central nervous system.

Neuromuscular was developed in the 1930's by Dr. Stanley Lief in England. He theorised neuromuscular therapy could balance the central nervous system with the musculoskeletal system correcting any disorders brought about as a result of any imbalances between the two.

In a neuromuscular therapy treatment the therapist will examine the patient and their medical history to accurately gauge all the factors that are creating and prolonging pain. Once the problem areas have been identified tretment will begin. One treatment is to alternating levels of concentrated pressure are applied on the areas of muscle spasm with the fingers, knuckles or elbow.

Pregnancy Massage

Pregnancy massage (or prenatal massage) is a system of bodywork designed specifically for expecting mothers. The obvious benefit is relaxation but it also reputed to help with hormonal changes as well as the muscular soreness associated with the changes your body is going through. Postnatal massage is a therapy given to the mother during the period after childbirth. This is a restorative system to help the mother recover from the physical hardship of pregnancy.

What position do I lie in for a pregnancy massage?

Let's be honest getting a massage during pregnancy can be difficult for both the patient and the therapist. There have been special tables designed for pregnancy massage as well as cushion systems, and add on fittings. Basically they all have a whopping great hole where you belly fits and you lie face down during the massage. Good for the therapist, but what about you.

Pregnancy massage (or prenatal massage) is a system of bodywork designed specifically for expecting mothers. The obvious benefit is relaxation but it also reputed to help with hormonal changes as well as the muscular soreness associated with the changes your body is going through. Postnatal massage is a therapy given to the mother during the period after childbirth. This is a restorative system to help the mother recover from the physical hardship of pregnancy.

Pregnancy massage focuses on giving the expecting mother some much needed attention to help nurture the new life that is growing within her. Massage by a pregnancy massage therapist offers many benefits including alleviation of pain, reduction in stress hormones, and can relieve muscle spasms and cramps associated with the stress of extra weight bearing and physical changes that occur during pregnancy.

Postpartum massage (after the baby has been born) focuses on helping to restore the woman's body to its pre-pregnancy condition. Massage therapy can help to restore the abdominal muscle wall and the uterus to its normal state. Postpartum massage also helps to realign the body weight to its original state, while toning the over-stretched areas of skin over the belly.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a treatment technique developed in the 1940's by Herman Kabat, MD, Phd with two physical therapists Margaret Knott and Dorothy Voss. Originally PNF was used as a treatment in the rehabilitation of Polio patients. Realising it was more than just a treatment for paralysis they began to teach it to Physical Therapists. PNF stretching is used in rehabilitation and sports therapy.

How to PNF Stretch

As the level of feel and experience varies between therapists the choice of stretching will be left up to you. Facilitated stretching is less likely to cause muscle fibre tears if the patient is moving the muscle into the next pain free zone themselves. If unsure of the stretch GET THE PATIENT TO MOVE THEMSELVES.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a treatment technique developed in the 1940's by Herman Kabat, MD, Phd with two physical therapists Margaret Knott and Dorothy Voss. Originally PNF was used as a treatment in the rehabilitation of Polio patients. Realising it was more than just a treatment for paralysis they began to teach it to Physical Therapists. PNF stretching is used in rehabilitation and sports therapy.

Reflexology

A reflexologist mostly works with the feet, although there are other reflexology regions including the hands and ears. The system of reflexology has been around since ancient Egypt. Reflexology points are used to stimulate energy for other areas of the body such as the major organs. There are several diferent systems of reflexology including Zone Therapy and Reflexognosy.

How To Feel The Pressure And Gain More Energy- Reflexology At Work

Reflexology has been used for many centuries. The method of reflexology, also called “zone therapy”, dates back to ancient Egypt, India and China. Evidence of reflexology has even been found in tombs in Egypt.

A reflexologist mostly works with the feet, although there are other reflexology regions including the hands and ears. The system of reflexology has been around since ancient Egypt. Reflexology points are used to stimulate energy for other areas of the body such as the major organs. There are several diferent systems of reflexology including Zone Therapy and Reflexognosy.

Relaxation Massage

Relaxation massage is performed with long, slow strokes using aromatic or aromatherapy oils in a quiet tranquil studio with relaxation music in the background. Although it is thought of with swedish massage, there are many types of relaxation massage including lomi lomi, aromatherapy, shiatsu and facial massage. The main aim is to relax but the benefits of massage include a more supple and soothed body and a less furrowed brow. Enjoy!

Relaxation massage really can't be beat. Anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half it is pure indulgence. The body that you have abused all week with exercise (hopefully), a few drinks, sitting at a desk all day, then cleaning up around the house finally gets a well earned respite. That precious time relaxes your body and your mind while ironing out the built up tension in your muscles. All this in a quiet environment with aromatic oils and tranquil music. I hope I am talking about you. If not, choose a location and make an appointment now. Don't forget, it needs to be regular.



The Art of Relaxation Massage

Although there is a science to relaxation massage, it really is the art of the massage profession. To properly relax the body there should be a flow of techniques from start to finish. You can't relax someone with jerky, stop/start techniques.

Lomi Lomi

The word Lomi Lomi means massage . Lomi Lomi is based on the healing practices of the ancient Polynesians. It was popularized by Auntie Margaret Machado, a respected Hawaiian healer , in 1973. Lomi Lomi is a unique healing massage that is used to transform and balance all aspects of the self to create harmony and flow in a person's being.

Relaxing With Zen Shiatsu

All types of shiatsu stimulate blood circulation directly, like western style massage such as Swedish. In doing so, both of these systems help release poorly flowing blood in the skin and muscles, and hence help ease tension and stiffness that arise from that congestion.

Hot Stone Massage

Since a few years ago, the idea of using hot stone massage has become widely accepted as a great addition to the world of massages. It's present in the healthcare industry for a good reason. In the previous four years, this type of massage has become the in-thing of spas, clinics, salons, and therapeutic centers across the globe.

Remedial Massage

Remedial Massage utilises a clinical approach to massage therapy. A full patient history and an assessmemt of the complaint is made using observation, palpation and range of movement - then the soft tissue related to the complaint is massaged and usually stretched. A good understanding of bio-mechanics in remedial massage is a must. Conditions such as RSI, Frozen Shoulder, sports injuries all fall under the conditions treated by Remedial Massage Therapy.

Remedial massage is one of the clinical styles of massage. To do it properly a thorough knowledge of western medical sciences is necessary. Remedial massage is interested in the why and how of an injury or complaint. Did you injure yourself or has it been slowly progressing to this stage? In what way does your complaint restrict movement?

Remedial Massage utilises a clinical approach to massage therapy. A full patient history and an assessmemt of the complaint is made using observation, palpation and range of movement - then the soft tissue related to the complaint is massaged and usually stretched. A good understanding of bio-mechanics in remedial massage is a must. Conditions such as RSI, Frozen Shoulder, sports injuries all fall under the conditions treated by Remedial Massage Therapy.

Shiatsu Therapy

Shiatsu is a traditional form of bodywork from Japan. Shiatsu which means ‘finger pressure' and has evolved from Oriental meridian theory and traditional Japanese massage techniques. Shiatsu is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are several forms of shiatsu including at least two that do not follow meridian theory. Shiatsu massage is an offshoot that combines shiatsu techniques with traditional massage styles.

5 Little Known Benefits Of Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage , also known as acupressure, is a point-pressure massage using the fingers. It is designed to help regulate the flow of energy within the body. During a shiatsu massage, thumb, fingers, palms or feet to the body apply pressure. This type of massage helps produce a deep relaxation increases energy levels and brings balance to the body.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word that is made up of “Shi,” which means finger, and “atsu,” meaning pressure. Shiatsu is a form of acupressure that originated in China over 2000 years ago. Over the centuries, this style of bodywork has been used to treat a number of illnesses, as well as bring relief from chronic pain and stiffness. Shiatsu is based on Eastern traditions that intertwine the spiritual, physical and therapeutic elements of the body to achieve wellness.

Shiatsu is a traditional form of bodywork from Japan. Shiatsu which means ‘finger pressure' and has evolved from Oriental meridian theory and traditional Japanese massage techniques. Shiatsu is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are several forms of shiatsu including at least two that do not follow meridian theory. Shiatsu massage is an offshoot that combines shiatsu techniques with traditional massage styles.