Massage That Bridges The Space Between Body And Spirit

For many individuals, massage has evolved from a periodic indulgence to a key component of an overall health and fitness regimen. The ability of massage to reduce stress and remedy various physical ailments has convinced many to include a massage therapist on their list of health providers.

But the art of massage takes many forms. Typically, a visit to a spa or an independent massage therapist will include some form of Swedish massage or deep tissue massage. These techniques are designed to invigorate muscles by promoting increased blood flow to specific areas and identifying and relieving particular problems. The application of these types of massage involves long, rhythmic strokes and kneading or circular actions with the hands, palms or fingers. The result is improved circulation, physical relaxation and a reduction in mental stress.

Shiatsu massage is also an extremely effective form of massage but with a somewhat metaphysical rationale to support the technique.

Shiatsu is a Japanese word that means finger pressure. The goal of Shiatsu is to restore the balance of energy in the body. Proponents of Shiatsu and acupuncture believe that disease and physical infirmities are caused by imbalances or blockages in the flow of energy through the body. This energy is called ki which flows through the body along meridians or energy channels. Practitioners strive for a balance between Yin (negative energy) and Yang (positive energy) and attempt to determine where there may be a build up of energy or an energy deficiency. Either will cause problems.

Shiatsu does not use the rubbing and kneading technique of Swedish massage but applies pressure using almost any part of the therapists body including arms, legs, fingers, hands, feet, elbows, toes, etc. The therapist locates a particular point along one of the bodys meridians and applies pressure to that area, attempting to restore balance to the flow of energy. The pressure can be applied gently with the fingers or may be applied forcefully with the point of the elbow depending on the location of the point and the severity of the blockage. The therapist may also incorporate stretching, holding or rotating various parts of the body

The restoration of the proper balance of ki is viewed as a spiritual as well as physical benefit. The balanced flow of energy offers physical comfort and improved health as well as emotional stability and spiritual well being. In fact, it is not uncommon that a recipient of Shiatsu massage may experience an intense emotional response as energy is released from problem areas and restored to proper levels. Crying is not an unusual occurrence and a good Shiatsu massage therapist is fully prepared for, and completely sympathetic to, this type of response.

Shiatsu massage is an extremely relaxing and healing form of massage. It is satisfying to know that besides feeling better, a Shiatsu experience can place us back in balance with the energy flow of the universe.

J. Terrence McDermott is the co-administrator of Massage Schools Guide at http://www.massageschoolsguide.com, a website offering a variety of resources for prospective massage therapists. He has developed a national directory of massage schools with program highlights and contact information.

A Guide To Landscape Bridges
Is there something missing from your garden design? Maybe you should consider a landscape bridge.A landscape bridge is a nifty solution to a garden or yard that needs a little pizzazz. The benefits of a landscape bridge are many. When you install a landscape bridge you will enhance the beauty of your yard or garden. A landscape bridge will help...

Lead A Healthy Life Through Massage Oils
Massaging is not a new concept rather it is old concept which make use of various oils in order to enhance the body, spirit and mind. Here, oils imply a blend of various essential oil which is termed as massage oil in aromatherapy.It has been proved that massaging with massage oils in aromatherapy helps in curing various health problems such as str...

Self Care
What does it mean to practice self care? Its creating a space and a healthy mind and body to support you in being the best you can be. If your space is filled with chaos, drama, disorganization, sadness and negativity then greatness cannot easily occur.We have so many choices in our daily life that either support us or diminish us in some way. W...

What A Way To Relax After A Tiring Day
When we get home after a long day at work, the only thing we wish for is a nice relaxing massage. But there is hardly any time to go to a spa, nor do we have any energy left for the task. The other option left is to go and buy massage chair. These are recliners that come with various features helping us relax. The massage chairs come with a built i...

The Swedish Massage: Is It The Right One For You?
The Swedish massage is one of many different types of massages that are available to you. This massage is actually one of the most common as it provides a wide range of benefits, is easy to do and easy to benefit from. More than likely, this is the type of massage youll get if you dont ask for some other type of massage to be done. Yet, that doe...

Lighting Up Your Massage Practice
Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt uncomfortable for no reason? Many people argue that the way objects are placed throughout a room has an effect on how we feel, physically and emotionally, when in that particular space. This spatial arrangement called Feng Shui suggests that certain types of light can make a room feel warm and w...

The Healing And Comfort Of A Foot Massage
Massage has been shown to have an enormous amount of benefits on both the physical and emotional well-being of the body. And society has sat up and taken notice by building an entire industry around that which helps to relax, rejuvenate, and revitalize a society of perpetually work-weary and emotionally stressed citizens. For those of us who have n...