Shiatsu massage, a traditional hands-on therapy that originated in Japan, has been associated with a number of benefits. Read on to explore the health benefits of shiatsu massage therapy, in detail.

Benefits Of Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu massage is a Japanese massage therapy, which involves the use of ‘finger pressure’ for bringing about various physical as well as psychological improvements in a person. Touted as the Japanese counterpart of ‘acupressure’ (popular in China), this massage therapy is believed to have been in existence since as far back as the 8000 BC. It aims at balancing the energy flows in the body, in turn bringing about a wide range of health benefits. In this article, we will help you explore the benefits of shiatsu massage in detail.
 
Health Benefits Of Shiatsu Massage Therapy
 
Skin
One of the main benefits of shiatsu massage takes place in the context of your skin. The therapy helps bring about a stimulation of the circulation in the capillaries of the skin's soft tissues. At the same time, it encourages the secretion of the sebaceous glands, which in turn keeps your skin moist and smooth. In other words, the skin retains its elasticity and the wrinkles are kept at bay. The improved blood circulation that results from shiatsu massage session brings a healthy glow to the skin.
 
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Muscle Pain
If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, shiatsu massage can go a long way in providing relief. Though it is the most effective when applied to the hands and feet, the massage can even be applied directly to any area that is affected by the arthritis. Apart from that, it can help alleviate almost any kind of muscle pain and even improve the overall health of muscles throughout the body. It also helps limber muscles and gives muscles nutrition, by improving blood circulation.
 
Migraine Headaches
In the present times, migraine is a problem commonly seen in people. Its attack brings on acute headache, accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, weakness, numbness and vision problems. It usually results from a rapid widening and narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain. Shiatsu massage can help assuage the pain caused by migraine, by relaxing the body and increasing the blood flow and circulation throughout the body.
 
Pregnancy
For ages now, shiatsu massage has been used to lessen the severity of the symptoms, such as menstrual cramps and depression, experienced by women during their monthly cycles. Apart from that, it has been found to be quite useful in pregnancy. In fact, the therapy is best known for helping women in labor and aiding the process of making babies turn in the womb. The massage can ease morning sickness and even help induce labor in women who are overdue.
 
Circulatory & Digestive System
The circulatory system and digestive system of the body have also been known to have benefited from shiatsu massage. It can help improve circulation and cellular nutrition throughout the body. At the same time, the massage allows food to digest more easily and aids in the elimination of waste products. If you have been suffering from reduced stamina, it will help up your resistance by storing energy reserves and assisting in fat metabolism and removal.
 
Other Benefits 
  • Bring about deep relaxation of the muscles and tissues
  • Helps keep stress levels low
  • Releases harmful toxins from the body
  • Keeps a number of diseases at bay
  • Results in increased flexibility of the body
  • Helps keep blood pressure in check
  • Brings down the mental anxieties
  • Balances chi
  • Calms the nervous state of mind
  • Increases mental and spiritual awareness
  • Bring about an improvement in sleep, posture and breathing
  • Strengthens the immune system
  • Stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems
  • Regulates the activity of the autonomic nervous system

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