Shiatsu, a Japanese acupressure massage

Shiatsu, A Japanese Acupressure Massage

Ancient Chinese healers discovered that if they used light finger pressure on the sick that their patients would get better. They treated digestive problems and increased energy in their patients.

They documented their work and discovered over time that energy flows along certain pathways within the body and there was a corresponding organ affected by this flow of energy. They labeled these major pathways Meridians.

Centuries ago a Buddhist priest introduced Chinese Medicine to Japanese healers who were intrigued by this manipulative technique. The Japanese took this technique and developed an acupressure massage that they call 'Shiatsu'. Shiatsu is a relaxing massage that uses gentle thumb pressure as the therapist travels up a meridian path and down the meridian paths in the proper flow for each of the twelve meridians. The client lies on a comfortable mat on the floor and is clothed in loose clothing.

Acupressure and Shiatsu directly works with our energy system through the nervous and musculoskeletal systems of our body which has a profound affect on our overall well being.Shiatsu brings our energy system back into balance and harmony with our whole system beginning with relaxation. Relaxation sends signals through the nervous system to slow down the excess release of the cortisol hormone.

As a side note, the hormone Cortisol is a defensive hormone that creates extra amounts of cortisol.

Depending on the amount of cortisol released our digestion is inhibited or shut down, our immune system, sex drive, and all other non essential body functions are slowed or inhibited in order to release Adrenalin.

Adrenalin gives us the extra strength and surge of energy for the 'flight for life' survival mode. This chemical activity is designed to help us through our crisis. This is our 'hunker down' and 'get 'er done' excess energy. When the crisis is over we collapse into a weakened state of fatigue.

Our energy system is often referred to as our Soul, Spirit, 'Chi', 'Ki', and sometimes our emotional being.

Our energy system is comprised of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects that comprise the human being. Our energy system is who we really are.

'Dis-ease' and disharmony are a direct result of imbalances within our energy system. Many factors such as financial stress, fatigue from over working the physical body, insecurity, low self esteem, crime, hunger (inappropriate diet), illness and stress in general all interfere with the healthy flow of life giving energy. The stresses of life have a way of creating blockages in our energy system which manifest along the Meridian paths.

In Western medicine our symptoms are treated with antidepressants, muscle relaxants, pain pills, heartburn medicine, arthritis medicine, heart medicine, surgery and other procedures known to treat symptoms.

However, in Eastern medicine, traditional Chinese Medicine and Orientals treat the source of the 'dis-ease' and disharmony with nutritional food, rest and Acupressure which addresses energy blockages along meridian pathways that prevent life-giving circulation and essential chemical reactions.

Resources: http://asismassage.com http://ezinearticles.com/?Shiatsu,-A-JapaneseAcupressure-Massage&id=8059913