Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese therapeutic practice that aims to revitalize one's health and well being. It is a well known relaxing treatment that can alleviate headaches, neck stiffness, back pains, joint pains, and especially stress. Although then term "shiatsu" is Japanese, this treatment is an incorporation of Japanese massage traditions, Chinese medicine, and Western knowledge on anatomy and physiology.



Moreover, although this hands-on therapy was first used in Japan, it has become a popular massage therapy used by many people to relieve themselves of physical and mental stress. In fact, various Hawaii massage spas and centers specialize in this form of therapy due to the treatment's effectiveness. Also, due to the growing demand of this particular massaging technique, there are therapy schools that have adept instructors who can very well pass their knowledge of the technique.

The shiatsu technique is characterized by the use of the fingers and palms to apply pressure on certain areas of the body which need to be corrected or healed. Why corrected? Due to injuries, there are certain nerves or muscles that may sometimes knot up. Eventually these knotted up nerves and muscles may cause strains to the other nerves and muscles connected to it. As a result, the rest body is stressed down as well and will not be able to function as it is supposed to.

In essence, shiatsu is used both for diagnosis and therapy. The therapist uses his thumbs, fingers, and palms to detect unnecessary stiffness of the surface of the body. Once the therapy locates the irregularities, he instantly corrects and heals the problems through his skilful massaging. To obtain this skill requires substantial experience. Various places all over the world including Canada, Australia, and Hawaii have massage therapy schools that teach this therapy program.

And due to the widespread practice of shiatsu, there are currently many different styles of this technique. There are those who perform shiatsu massages primarily focusing on acupuncture points to massage their clients back to health. Some concentrate more on the body or along the energy pathway to influence the flow of energy that goes in and out of the body.

Generally, shiatsu therapists skilfully stimulate the immune system and the inherent healing powers of the human body in order to promote recovery as well as prevention from sickness. It is believed that healing and taking care of the body as a whole helps restore the functions of the nervous system, muscles, circulatory system, glands, and bones.