JAPANESE MASSAGE THERAPY FOR REDUCING PAIN AND ANXIETY

Daily stress and strain can lead to the accumulation of muscle pain in our body. Whether due to long working hours, poor posture, or intense physical activities, it is common to experience muscle discomfort. In Japan, an ancient therapy known as “Shiatsu” has been used for centuries as a powerful tool to relieve muscle pain and improve overall health.

What is Japanese Massage Therapy?

Japanese massage therapy, known as “Anma” or “Shiatsu” is an ancient therapy that combines different massage and pressure techniques, taking its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. It offers an effective approach to relieve muscle pain and improve overall health. If you experience recurring or chronic muscle discomfort or if you are looking to relax, we suggest you try this traditional Japanese technique. Consider a decent expert with enough experience to Perform a customized massage that meets your specific needs.

Shiatsu: A Japanese Massage Against Stress 

Combating all this is not easy, especially if the cause of the discomfort is unknown. A great help that has the advantage of producing an immediate relief effect from the discomfort and leading to relaxation in a few minutes is shiatsu, the Japanese massage of well-being. 

Shiatsu is a deep, painless, pleasantly relaxing and very effective massage. It is based on applying pressure to specific points all over the body. In Japanese, the word ‘shi’ means ‘fingers’, and ‘atsu’ means ‘pressure’. The basic Shiatsu Yasuragi Sequence is the most complete in the world, with over 2400 pressure points.

Shiatsu More than just Finger Pressure.

Shiatsu is a technique of Japanese origin that uses pressure from the fingers and hands. The pressure on the body stimulates or sedates (as appropriate) the physiological functions. In this way, it helps stimulate the body’s natural self-healing capacity.

Speed Intensity Frequency

Depending on the intensity, speed or frequency of the pressure, the body reacts differently. A mild-moderate intensity stimulus facilitates the start of functional activity. A moderate-medium intensity stimulus increases functional activity. However, a medium-strong intensity stimulus inhibits certain functions. Finally, a strong-very strong stimulus ends up stopping them. If the intensity stimulus is combined with speed and frequency, we obtain a large number of possible treatments. To choose the most appropriate combination, great skill from the shiatsu specialist is essential. At Shiatsu Yasuragi our specialists are teachers from the Institute, all trained in Japan and with more than 20 years of experience.

Benefits of Shiatsu 

Shiatsu schools and specialists in Japan list a number of benefits of applying shiatsu 

With just a few gentle pressures

>  Stimulates the body’s innate self-healing capacity.

>  Balances the body’s physiological systems, improving quality of life.

>  Produces deep relaxation, physical, mental and emotional balance.

>  Restores harmony in the body.

>  Increases vitality.

>  Prevents the accumulation of fatigue.

>  Promotes sleep.

>  Improves the skin.

>  It is completely painless.

>  Eliminates physical, mental and emotional stress.

>  Maintains and improves the overall functioning of the body.

>  Stimulates the secretion of endorphins, hormones that produce a sedative effect and relieve pain.

>  Helps eliminate toxins, cleanses and purifies the body.

>  It has no side effects.

How Japanese massage works

Japanese massage offers a number of benefits, especially when it comes to relieving muscle pain. Below we will see its many advantages and benefits:

• Relief of muscle tension: through the correct technique, tense and contracted muscles can be relaxed, resulting in a reduction in pain and improved mobility. On this last point, it is important to note that massage also has a positive effect on the multi-joint level, to improve mobility and general physical condition.
• Improved blood circulation: The different movements and techniques of Japanese massage stimulate blood circulation; this helps to bring nutrients and oxygen to the muscle tissues, thus accelerating their recovery.
  
• Deep relaxation: Massage promotes the release of hormones that are beneficial for our mood and health. One of these hormones is endorphins, which induce a general feeling of relaxation and well-being.
  
• Improving body posture: By relaxing the muscles and correcting posture, we help prevent future muscle tension and avoid problems in the future.
  
• Stress reduction: Massage is an excellent way to release accumulated stress in the body and mind, it favorably affects a better mood and greater mental clarity to positively face our daily lives.

Important Aspects in Japanese Massage Therapy

Have you ever thought about what are the most important aspects to take into account when performing and receiving a good Japanese massage? Below we will tell you some interesting facts and how they affect the quality of this ancient practice.

• Massage and pressure as the basis of a good Japanese massage technique: Practitioners and masseurs mainly use their hands, fingers, elbows and knees to apply the correct pressure and perform massage movements on specific areas of the body. These movements are designed to relieve muscle tension and, as we have previously mentioned, improve blood circulation and release energy blockages. It is true that depending on the particular needs of each person, some of the body parts described for performing Japanese massage can be dispensed with; however, it is common practice to use all of them.
  
• Acupressure points: Based on the theory of meridians, acupressure points have been taken into account and stimulated since traditional Chinese medicine. Professional therapists and masseurs take this knowledge, identifying and working on key points of the body to influence a better distribution of the body’s energy flow and ensure a healing and restorative effect. The aim of this is to correct imbalances that arise progressively, to promote the healing of the affected parts.
  
• Essential oils: Aromatic essential oils are often used during sessions to enhance the relaxation and well-being of the recipient. It is also common for these oils to be scented, to create a more relaxed and relaxed atmosphere and make the atmosphere more conducive to the practice of Japanese massage.
  
• Light and comfortable clothing: It is advisable to wear light and comfortable clothing during the session to facilitate access to the areas of the body that require treatment. It is very common to perform the massage with the body uncovered, in order to apply oils and other products to facilitate muscle stimulation. In any case, it is recommended that both the masseuse and the client wear loose clothing.
  
• Breathing and meditation: did you know about the connection between mind and body through relaxation and meditation? Japanese massage has the power to relax the person receiving it, to the point of making breathing and meditation work together to help reduce cortisol levels.
  
• Other benefits: just a few sessions are enough to notice the benefits of this Japanese technique; relief from muscle pain, tension, fatigue, stress, insomnia, circulatory problems… Remember that it will also help you maintain a better mood and promote relaxation through a state of meditation.

Conclusions

If you are looking for a spa center specializing in Japanese massage therapy at Arlington, VA we can guarantee you the best service and personalized attention. We invite you to consult with us and start improving your health.