Shiatsu Bar Therapy
Shiatsu Bar Therapy is an ancient form of bodywork using the barefeet in compression work
combined with Swedish, Sports, and Myofascial/Myopractic Massage techniques.
It provides the client a deep, relaxing massage without the usual pain associated with deep
tissue massage. The even pressure that is easily applied with the foot, which is also bigger than
the hand, give the therapist control without injury to the therapist hands or the clients 's body.
Benefit of Shiatsu Massage.
Shiatsu massage treats common psychological and physical complaints by pressing pressure
points. Proponents believe it alleviates disorders such as depression, anxiety, nausea, stiffness,
headaches, arthritis, cramps, or pulled muscles. This Japanese equivalent of the Chinese
method of acupressure comes from the Japanese words "shi" and "atsu," meaning "finger
pressure."
Shiatsu massage, sometimes called Zen shiatsu, unifies spiritual, philosophical, and medical
aspects of the body. Some westernized massage techniques are combined with the view that
energy, qi or chi, circulates along channels called meridians. When freely flowing, chi brings
fresh, strong energy and carries away spent energy along with toxins. In this view, any number
of influences upset our natural balance of yin and yang. Blocked or diverted chi must be
cleared and restored. An Eastern perspective doesn't cite sleeplessness, indigestion, swollen
joints, headaches, or depression as sources of discomfort, but sees them as symptoms of either
hyperactive or underproductive chi.
A shiatsu masseuse first makes his or her diagnosis, assessing where chi flows healthily and
where it may be siphoned or obstructed. They will ask if you have any specific ailments, and
then do light massaging to feel which pressure points are stiff or tender. These pressure points
lie along fourteen meridians running the length of your body. Once diagnosing your problem
areas, the masseuse gently but firmly applies pressure using his or her fingers, knuckles,
thumbs, palms, toes, feet, knees, and elbows.
Two meridians are central, drawing chi through your torso: the Governor along your back, and
the Conception down your front. The other twelve meridians occur in mirrored pairs along the
symmetric halves of your body. These do not only directly control organs; rather they are
associated with the function and symbolism of each organ. These meridians are named the
stomach, small and large intestine, spleen/pancreas, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder,
heart, lungs, sex, and triple heater.
When visiting a practitioner of shiatsu massage, wear thin, loose, comfortable clothing, such
as cotton or linen. Expect to lie flat on the floor, a beaded mat, or a futon, so your muscles
relax as much as possible. Be prepared to tell the masseuse what you would like worked on. If
you have headaches, try to remember if they occur in the morning, after eating spicy food,
reading for a long time, or vigorous exercise. Make sure to inform the masseuse of any
westernized medical treatment you are receiving, as well.
Most people enjoy shiatsu massage as much as they enjoy deep tissue massage, but expect
some differences. Shiatsu will involve deep breathing, rotating and stretching your joints, as
well as manipulating pressure points. When these points are pressed, people describe the
sensation as feeling tender, tickling, intense, or slightly uncomfortable, unlike anything else.
After the massage, you may feel strange, but not sore as in a muscular tissue massage. Many
believe Shiatsu is both preventative and healing, so getting it done on a regular basis, along
with stretching, exercise, and a healthy diet, may improve your health.
Prices for Services:
1 Hour for $70.00
90 Minutes for $110.00
