Shiatsu Massage Therapy at Awender Chiropractic in Redwood City
Shiatsu came from Japan and China, drawing on traditional theories of Chinese medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, different pathways or meridians run through the body. If the meridians become blocked — for example, by a large muscle knot — then your body’s energy cannot flow properly. By removing the blockages with finger pressure therapy, Shiatsu massage relieves energetic blockages before they cause disease.
As our massage therapist applies pressure to your pressure points, muscle knots loosen. Tight muscles and fascia slacken. Pain and inflammation decrease. On the cellular level, your central nervous system and your immune system benefit from pressure point treatments.
Shiatsu massage can be traced all the way back to ancient Japan and means ‘finger pressure’. But be prepared for much more, as your massage therapist may use their knuckles, elbows, feet and knees.
The idea of energy flow, also known as ‘Ki’ or ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’), is the underlying principle here. Practitioners believe disruption to the ‘Ki’ causes illness. Shiatsu is about freeing any blockages or imbalances to the Ki flow and rejuvenating the body by restoring energy to where it’s needed most.
It’s also the perfect treatment for loosening up your muscles and improving your circulation. There are many other benefits too, including easing constipation, decreasing stress and tension and improving symptoms of insomnia.
How to Prepare for Shiatsu Treatment in Redwood City?
Since shiatsu massage is performed fully clothed, wear loose and comfortable clothing when you have an appointment. Before the massage, you will discuss your health, injuries, or pain with your massage therapist.
During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, thumbs, elbows, knees, and other parts of the body to apply pressure along the meridians. While shiatsu generally consists of intense pressure (unlike, say, Swedish massage), you may request lighter pressure if the massage gets too intense.
After a massage, drink plenty of water. Toxins were released into your bloodstream by the shiatsu therapy; flushing your system with water helps drain the toxins from your body. Your therapist may recommend changes to your diet or lifestyle that will support your overall wellness. Of course, it is up to you whether you decide to integrate their suggestions.
How is Shiatsu Different to Other Massage Techniques?
There are five main differences to note compared to other techniques, such as percussion massage and hot stone massage:
- You’ll keep your clothes on unlike other massage styles where you may have to remove your clothes. Tip: Remember to attend a shiatsu massage therapy session in loose, comfortable clothes.
- The practitioner will ask you to lay on the floor on a mat as opposed to a table. This is to help them apply pressure and manipulate your body more easily.
- The focus will be on your joints and connective tissue rather than your muscles.
- No oils are used, unlike Swedish massage for example where you inhale the aromas and they are absorbed into your skin.
- You’ll come out feeling energized and rejuvenated, as opposed to relaxed and sleepy.
The closest form of treatment to shiatsu is acupuncture as it draws on traditional Chinese medicine theory and uses meridians and pressure points.
What does the term ‘Shiatsu’ actually mean?
The translation is ‘finger pressure’ but do not be fooled, it’s not just about applying finger pressure! Your therapist may also introduce their knuckles, elbows, feet and knees as part of the treatment.
It’s the perfect remedy to loosen up your muscles, stimulate circulation of the blood and get your energy flowing. In fact the idea of energy flow, also known as ‘Ki’ or ‘Qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) is the main principle of shiatsu.
Practitioners believe any disruption to your energy flow causes illnesses and diseases. Shiatsu is all about freeing any blockages or imbalances to the Ki flow and rejuvenating the body by restoring energy to where it’s most needed.
Schedule Shiatsu Treatment in Redwood City, CA
Awender Chiropractic is located in Redwood City and we welcome patients from the surrounding communities, which include Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Contact Us to reserve your appointment for a shiatsu treatment, or any other style of massage, please call us at (650) 366-1273 today.