Shiatsu
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese term (it means "finger pressure") and method of Japanese origin, with the existence of historical theories of ancient Greek origin and a loss of evidence in both cases. It is based on the same principles as acupuncture. It acts on the points of tension and energy flow blockage on the meridians (energy flow vessels), mainly by finger pressures, conveying quantities of biological energy from the treatment facilitator onto the meridian, thus enhancing the supply of energy to the cellular tissues, with more enhanced biological energy than the free induction of cosmic energy caused by the metal material of an acupuncture needle, due to the more minor resistance and therefore increased induction of the specific points to various forms of energy; a phenomenon that relies on their detection by devices that channel electricity and calculate the resistance difference, with mechanisms that usually work together in electroacupuncture devices.
In addition to the function of meridians, which mostly correspond to vital organs (e.g., stomach meridian) and provide amounts of energy for their balanced function, also affecting other categories of cellular tissues such as muscle or nerve tissues, Shiatsu also balances the electrochemical neurotransmissions in the voluntary and autonomic nervous system and in sensory and motor nerves in the balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system directly, restoring the smooth movement of potential and signals to and from the central nervous system (brain), resulting in the improvement of defense mechanisms and balancing mental tensions that are higher or lower compared to the average.
At the same time, the techniques of muscular stretching massage and arthritic mobilization, which are also applied on the spine, release the outgrowths (roots) of the spinal nerves from the tension, resulting in the smooth flow of energy to the nerve fibers, which is also supported by the field of osteopathy. Shiatsu applies to all categories of physical and mental disorders, individually or in combination with other methods, depending on the cause or the causes of the condition, whether it participates in the therapeutic effect or the suppression of symptoms, with preventive, therapeutic properties.
Shiatsu is not indicated for pregnant women, people who have recently undergone chemotherapy or surgery, as well as people suffering from osteoporosis, heart disease, infectious skin disease, blood clotting disorders, as well as people who have rashes or open wounds. Furthermore, Shiatsu should not be applied directly to bruises, skin inflammations, injuries, tumors, hernias or recent fractures.
