Shiatsu massage - the benefits of Japanese face and body massage

• Story
• How it works
• Types of massage
• Features of the massage
• The result of impact on specific points
• Contraindications
• Preparation
• Massage technique
• When the result is visible
• Price
• Reviews

Shiatsu is one of the types of Japanese massage. It is an improved type of acupressure, which has long been practiced in oriental medicine. Different styles of shiatsu are based on the principles of Japanese massage, Chinese medicine and complemented by modern knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.

The shiatsu technique involves influencing the body with the fingers and palms to create a certain pressure on specific points, which makes it possible to eliminate disorders, get rid of many diseases, and improve health.

Author of massage

Story

Tokuiro Namikoshi is considered the creator of shiatsu. He described his method in the book “Shiatsu - Japanese finger pressure therapy.” The term itself is also translated from Japanese as “finger pressure” (“shi” - fingers, “atsu” - pressure). It was first mentioned at the beginning of the 20th century in a book by Tempaku Tamai called Shiatsu Ryoho. The Shiatsu method was developed from the traditional Japanese amma massage technique as a result of Namikoshi's observations of the instinctive behavior of a person pressing and rubbing a sore spot. Such an impact awakens the reserve forces of the body, inherent in it by nature itself. Namikoshi initially developed his technique to help his mother, who had suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for many years. Shiatsu subsequently gained national recognition. In 1940, the Japanese Shiatsu College was founded. Namikoshi's patients included famous government officials, movie stars, and famous athletes. Today in Japan the system has a special legal status.

How it works

To understand the mechanisms of Japanese shiatsu massage, you need to know the structure and functioning of the human body. Approximately 450 muscles, symmetrically attached to the bones, contract to help produce various movements. This complex process begins from the moment nutrients enter the body. A certain part of them accumulates in the liver in the form of glycogen. After this, glucose and oxygen flow through the bloodstream to the muscles, where they take part in biochemical processes, as a result of which the energy necessary for muscle contraction is released. During muscle contraction, lactic acid is produced. As it accumulates, it leads to fatigue of muscle fibers and difficulty in their work. Fatigue can be dealt with by temporarily stopping the process of muscle contraction, that is, giving them rest. During the “respite”, venous blood removes lactic acid, and arterial blood delivers glucose and other substances necessary to release energy, which is spent on muscle work.

Diagram of points on the body for massage

Point pressure on functioning muscle fibers during shiatsu massage accelerates the elimination of excess lactic acid, thereby eliminating fatigue, reducing pain, and restoring proper muscle function.

How does shiatsu work?

To answer this question, let's first understand why muscle pain occurs. The fact is that during muscle activity, lactic acid is formed in the tissues, which accumulates over time, which contributes to the difficulty of muscle contraction and the appearance of pain and tension. To eliminate these syndromes, the body needs rest and relaxation.

But, unfortunately, in modern living conditions we pay little attention to our health; very often we simply do not have enough time for proper rest. As a result of improper functioning of the muscular system, tissue stagnation occurs, the functioning of the vascular and circulatory systems becomes difficult, and chronic fatigue and overexertion appear. Shiatsu technique

in this case, it helps eliminate pain, relax muscles and establish their correct contraction. This effect is achieved by removing accumulated lactic acid by pressing on certain areas of the body.

Types of massage

Shiatsu is one of the dynamically developing forms of therapy. Today, there are several different styles of massage, or derivatives of shiatsu.

Professional shiatsu massage

• Shiatsu Meridian Therapy was developed by incorporating the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine into Shiatsu. Tadawa Izawa was founded.
• Zen shiatsu was the result of the introduction of shiatsu experience into the research of Chinese medicine and Western psychology. Includes special “makko-ho” exercises aimed at stimulating the flow of QI.
• Taoshiatsu therapy includes praying to Buddha and techniques aimed at concentrating the mind.
• Tsubo Shiatsu – from a physiological and anatomical point of view, explains the use of tsubo (or meridian points) in shiatsu therapy.
• Ohishiatsu is another variation of shiatsu created by Wataru Ohashi.
• Quantum Shiatsu - affects various levels of human energy: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
• Shiatsu movements were developed by Bill Palner and David Ventura to relieve chronic diseases through unusual experiments and exercises.

Shiatsu massage is also divided into the following subtypes:

• Professional – performed by a specialist.
• Mutual massage – can be used with the family, mainly to relieve fatigue and restore strength.
• Self-massage - compared to other types of procedures, has some advantages: active work of the hands promotes blood flow to the fingers, as a result, its stagnation in other parts of the body is eliminated, cerebral circulation and the functioning of the nervous system are normalized.

Shiatsu helps with scoliosis

Features of the massage

A distinctive feature of Japanese massage is its effect on the body as a whole. Special techniques of pressing on certain points activate the internal energy of Qi. Shiatsu is not aimed at treating a disease, but at strengthening and mobilizing forces to independently fight the disease. In this case, the body itself chooses the optimal way to get rid of it. The bioactive points stimulated during shiatsu do not correspond to Chinese medicine acupuncture points. They do not have a clear localization, and their choice is based more on the painful reaction of the human body. Impact on the points leads to normalization of the QI flow passing through the meridian. Indications

Shiatsu is indicated both for the treatment of various diseases and for their prevention, as well as relieving fatigue and general improvement of the body.

Massage helps with the following problems:

• viral and colds;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• osteochondrosis;
• arthritis, arthrosis;
• scoliosis;
• intercostal neuralgia;
• bronchitis;
• headache;
• cerebrovascular accident;
• age-related changes (shiatsu facial massage is performed);
• excess weight;

Shiatsu gets rid of excess weight

• radiculitis;
• chronic fatigue syndrome;
• insomnia;
• stress;
• decreased libido;
• weakened immune system;
• diseases of the nervous system:
• trigeminal neuralgia;
• neuritis of the facial nerve;
• spastic and flaccid paralysis
• neurasthenia;
• neuritis of the external nerve of the thigh;
• bed-wetting;
• sexual neurosis;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system:
• angina pectoris;
• hypertension;
• hypotension;
• phlebeurysm;
• obliterating endarteritis.

Application of Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu massage is used to stimulate the natural flow of vital energy (chi) in the body. In addition, it restores mental balance and well-being. Strengthens the body's immunity. Improves general organ functions. It also helps get rid of the feeling of fatigue. Strengthens lymph outflow and blood circulation. Relaxes muscles. Reduces the effects of stress.

Compressing certain parts of the body is beneficial for health conditions such as depression, headaches, back pain, muscle spasms, rheumatoid arthritis and a stiff neck. Massage relieves premenstrual syndrome and insomnia. It is used during recovery from a cervical spine injury and in people struggling with digestive disorders, especially constipation. Eliminates asthma symptoms. This allows you to recuperate and relax. Has a beneficial effect on the nervous system - improves concentration and intellectual abilities. Removes accumulated negative emotions.

The result of impact on specific points

• To eliminate muscle fatigue in the arms and legs, Shiatsu massage is performed at points located on the inner surface of the arms just below the elbow joint.
• Restoring vitality is facilitated by massage of a point located four transverse fingers below the navel.
• You can reduce the level of anxiety and get rid of anxiety by pressing on points located two centimeters below the popliteal fossa.
• Kneading your earlobes will relieve insomnia.
• To increase appetite, shiatsu massage should be performed in the central part of the feet, the middle part of the palms and along the upper phalanx of the little fingers, including the joint.
• Massaging the upper chest in the sternum area will help get rid of the craving for smoking.
• You can relieve headaches and increase concentration by massaging small depressions in the temporal region and a point on the bridge of the nose.
• Pressing on the points at the inner corners of the eyes and at the base of the nose, next to the nostrils, will relieve fatigue and eye strain.
• According to Shiatsu, to relieve back pain, massage the points located in the center of the popliteal fossae.
• It is recommended to relieve the symptoms of menopause by pressing on points in the center of the forehead and chin.
• Pain in the lower back, stomach, dysfunction of the stomach, intestines, pancreas, attacks of bronchial asthma, limited mobility of the shoulder girdle - all these phenomena can be eliminated with the help of a back massage performed using the shiatsu technique.

Impact on different points

Anti-wrinkle points on forehead

To avoid premature facial wrinkles on the forehead and smooth out those that have already been acquired, it is enough not to frown, not to grimace, and to use the following exercises: • pressing with the middle and index fingers of both hands, smooth the forehead from the middle to the temples for 30 seconds. • The important point is one transverse finger above the eyebrow on the pupil line . By massaging it, you will help yourself with dizziness, pain in the frontal part of the head, night blindness and trinity neuralgia. • The point at the temple at the end of the eyebrow - its stimulation also relieves fatigue. • A point 3 cm up from the outer corner of the eye • A simple forehead massage, starting from the middle to the hairline, also helps.

Contraindications

Contraindications to Japanese massage are:

• general serious condition;
• infectious diseases (jaundice, whooping cough, mumps, malaria, etc.);
• inflammatory-allergic skin diseases;
• tuberculosis in the acute stage;
• benign and malignant neoplasms;
• conditions requiring surgical intervention;
• fragility of blood vessels, tendency to form hematomas;
• capillary toxicosis;
• blood clotting disorder;
• bone fractures;
• sharp abdominal pain;
• simultaneous presence of pathologies of the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

Warm up your body before the massage

Preparation

No special preparation is required for the massage. The skin should be clean and dry. The best effect can be achieved if you pre-warm the body. This technique helps relieve muscle tension and dilate blood vessels. The massage therapist's hands should also be warm and dry. Before the procedure, they need to be rubbed against each other.

When performing a shiatsu facial massage, the skin is cleansed with a special herbal-based product, after which a hot compress is applied for 2-3 minutes. Before starting the procedure, you should relax as much as possible.

Massage technique

The shiatsu massage technique comes down to the use of two techniques: stroking and rhythmic pressure on certain points with the pads of the fingers or different parts of the palms. In this case, the body weight seems to be transferred to the fingers and palms. Stroking takes only 10-20% of the session, and pressing – 80-90%.

The main standard technique is pressing with the first phalanx of the thumb. The intensity of the impact can vary from strong pressure to a gentle touch and complete removal of the finger from the surface of the skin. The frequency of such oscillations is 5-10 times per minute. Shiatsu is also performed with the fingers or palms of both hands, located one above the other. This impact is stronger and is called “pressure with weights.” It is used in the area of ​​large joints and muscles.

Do not move your fingers along the skin or move the fingertip in a forward direction: this leads to rapid hand fatigue.

The choice of fingers for shiatsu is determined depending on the location of the massaged area:

• back massage is usually done with the thumb or index and middle fingers;
• The face is massaged with three fingers: index, middle, ring;
• the eyes and stomach are affected with the palms.

Shiatsu facial massage

The palms are also used for vibrating movements. Shiatsu uses a variety of pressures: regular, flexible, vibrating, concentrated, suction, intermittent, stimulating.

The direction of pressure is perpendicular to the surface of the body. The strength of pressure is selected depending on the disease, its symptoms, and the patient’s well-being. The optimal pressure is one that produces sensations on the verge of mild pain. Sharp, rough, jolting, impact impacts leading to bruising should be avoided.

To treat specific diseases using shiatsu, select points located closest to the diseased area. However, in some cases other points are massaged. For example, when treating kidneys, massage is done on certain areas of the feet; to strengthen the heart, massage points on the left hand are done.

The duration of pressure on one point is on average 5 seconds, when working with points located on the neck - a maximum of 3 seconds.

Sessions last 7-10 days, after which a break is required.

General massage

The general massage procedure involves massaging the entire body. Its goal is not to fight a specific disease, but to improve the health of the entire body. General massage includes a whole series of techniques that are used both in combination and separately. After mastering them, the procedure can also be carried out independently.

In Japan itself, shiatsu is performed in the seiza pose: a person kneels and sits on his heels spread in opposite directions, while straightening his back as much as possible and completely relaxing his shoulders and neck. For Eastern countries this position is natural, but for Europeans it is not very suitable. Therefore, it is better to choose a position lying on your side, with a pillow under your head, and if necessary, roll over onto your back or stomach. The pose sitting on a chair is also perfect for shiatsu. The impact is on active points. Their location diagram is shown below.

How to massage your face

Shiatsu facial massage helps eliminate fine wrinkles, restore skin elasticity, and rejuvenate it. Depending on the purpose of the influence, various techniques are used.

To get rid of wrinkles on the forehead

Use small circular movements to apply pressure in the central part of the forehead, the “third eye” area. For 7 seconds, massage the point between the eyebrows with your index, middle, and ring fingers.

This movement also allows you to get rid of a runny nose, flu, headache, and stop nosebleeds.

Shiatsu points on the body

For eyelid rejuvenation

Using three fingers, press on the point in the center of the eyebrow (it can also be located closer to the end). The duration of exposure is about 7 seconds. To tighten the drooping ends of the eyebrows, the movements should be directed upward.

To eliminate crow's feet

Using your fingertips, find points located at a distance of 1 cm from the outer corner of the eyes in the direction of the temples. Apply pressure with some pressure (direction - slightly to the sides and up).

To get rid of swelling of the eyelids

Press the point located at the inner corners of the eyes with your fingertips. Massage for about 3 seconds without moving the skin. Repeat the exercise twice.

For firmer cheeks

Find a point on the lower edge of the cheek bones. Pressing on it tones the cheek muscles. Act on the point for 7 seconds.

For the beauty of lips

Using your fingertips, rhythmically press on the point located in the hollow above the upper lip for 7 seconds. This effect also helps to get out of a fainting state.

To eliminate wrinkles around the mouth

Use the tips of two fingers (index and middle) to massage the corners of your lips.

For correction of facial oval

Press the pads of three fingers against both sides of your chin. The thumb presses the jaw bone from below, the remaining fingers move towards the temples. Duration of exposure – 7 seconds. To tighten the skin of the face, the movement of the fingers is directed upward. In this case, the thumb remains fixed at one point.

Points on the neck for massage

For the beauty of the neck

Stimulate points located on the side of the neck for 3 seconds. Repeat twice. This effect eliminates wrinkles and relieves some respiratory diseases.

How is Japanese technique performed?

It is not for nothing that Shiatsu massage in the East is compared to the work of a sculptor. The experienced hands of the manual put the face, head (and thoughts) in order, reveal the natural energy of a person, unravel the tangles of negative energy that everyone around us rewards us with every day.

You need to massage following the blood flow: from top to bottom, from the middle of the face and head, move to the sides. You cannot move chaotically from one point to another : the sequence is as important as the methodology.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Place your fingertips (index, middle and ring) vertically on the center of your forehead, press, hold, move your hands further towards your temples, touching all 24 points.
2. When you reach your temples, hold the pressure for 7-10 seconds, you can repeat it all over again 2-3 more times.
3. Having finished with the forehead, begin to knead the points located on the eyebrows, under them: hold each point for 5-8 seconds, there should be no pain, if some point gives in worse, knead it again a few seconds later.
4. After the points around the eyebrows are completely wrinkled, use your middle fingers to pay attention to the points at the corners of the eyes (first the outer ones, then the inner ones).
5. Then the “third eye” point is an area vulnerable to wrinkles and should not be missed or ignored (this place also allows you to relieve headaches, especially if they are chronic).
6. Now - the circular muscles: for this, the ring fingers - in the corners of the eye near the nose, the middle and index fingers - will mechanically be in the center of the upper eyelid and the outer corners of the eyes, respectively, press for 5-7 seconds in 3-5 approaches.
7. Place your index fingers on the outer corners of your eyes, the middle ones in the center, and place your ring fingers on the edges of the eyes closer to the temples - press for 5-7 seconds (if the skin is gathered in a fold, then the fingers are not positioned correctly.
8. Massage the area under the cheekbone: placing the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers there so that they are necessarily perpendicular to the massaged area, you need to apply pressure smoothly, do not slide your fingers over the bone through the skin.
9. Then you should move to your nose: place your index fingers on the dimples and press for 5-7 seconds and release smoothly.
10. The next point for massage is located above the lips: the middle finger is placed in this area, after applying pressure, repeat in the center just below the lips.
11. Finally, the massage reaches the chin: place the 3rd and 4th fingers on the cheekbones, and the thumbs under them.
12. The final stage of the massage is massaging the active points of the neck: to do this, place your fingers on the sides of the neck and press on the currents located behind the ears and near their lobes.

After the massage, thoroughly clean and moisturize the skin. Give yourself a 20-30 minute rest.

It is best to massage the point in the center of the crown before bedtime . This is especially true for those who suffer from insomnia.

We invite you to watch a video about how shiatsu massage is performed:

When the result is visible

When reading reviews about shiatsu, one often gets the impression that results can be seen after the first session. Indeed, when you massage your face, your skin almost immediately takes on a fresher appearance and your face begins to look younger. However, lasting results can be obtained only after 7-10 sessions.

If the goal of shiatsu is to achieve a therapeutic effect, one or two procedures are also clearly not enough. It is necessary to complete the entire course, and from a qualified specialist who knows the technique and thoroughly knows what effect can be achieved by stimulating specific points.

Shiatsu points for face: three royal points

Shiatsu masters have identified three points from all points of the face, by acting on which the most obvious result of rejuvenation is achieved. They are called the " Three Royal Points"

:

1. Tenyo
   Point is located on the neck at the outer angle of the jaw. It is responsible for blood circulation and lymph circulation throughout the entire face, and therefore when pressing on it, the complexion improves due to the saturation of cells with oxygen, and swelling goes away;
2. Koryeo
   Point is located on the cheeks, at the intersection of the lines of the nostrils and the centers of the pupils, above the area of ​​the zygomatic major muscle. Its stimulation allows you to tighten the cheek muscles;
3. Sokkoku
   Point is located half a finger above the ears. When this point is stimulated, all the muscles on the face are tightened.

Reviews

“I would never have believed that massage would help eliminate wrinkles if I had not tried it on myself. After the second shiatsu session, the terribly annoying crow's feet on my face disappeared. During the session itself, I immersed myself in some kind of peaceful state. So I not only tightened my facial skin, but also tidied up my nervous system. My massage therapist also recommends getting a back massage. He says it will relieve chronic pain in the spine. I have already gotten rid of the headache. Most likely, I’ll sign up for the whole course.”

Alexandra, 37 years old.

“I went to shiatsu to get rid of constant fatigue and insomnia. It was recommended by my brother, who himself had just completed the course. At first I somehow didn’t really trust these eastern techniques. I scoured the Internet and read reviews. According to them, shiatsu works wonders. I decided to try it. I've already had three sessions and, I must say, I'm very pleased. Now I not only sleep better, but I even feel somehow younger and more invigorated. The fatigue has gone completely. I even decided to go in for sports.”

Andrey, 47 years old.

“Due to overactive facial expressions, at the age of 27 I already have wrinkles around my lips and eyes. I tried Botox. The effect, as promised, lasted 6 months. But I understood perfectly well that, figuratively speaking, they simply filled in the cracks in the walls. They recommended the shiatsu technique to me. At first I was somewhat skeptical about this, but then I had to believe that this massage was really better than injections and plastic surgery. Now there is not a single wrinkle left on my face, and my skin is fresh and elastic – like a plump apple.”

Margarita, 27 years old.

“I have been practicing shiatsu for 5 years. I tried it for the first time to get rid of constant colds and runny nose, but I didn’t expect such an effect. I forgot about the chronic cold a long time ago, and my back pain went away. I became much calmer. I have already learned many techniques and, if necessary, massage myself and my family.”

Kirill, 35 years old.

Japanese gymnastics Shiatsu

The technique is considered one of the most effective for those whose goal is rejuvenation. The impact is on biologically active points.

This massage allows you to cope with the consequences of stress and illness that affect the skin of the face. The face quickly becomes toned, aging slows down.

In addition, fast gymnastics is suitable for those who need to replenish their emotional and energy balance. By the way, in the forties of the last century it was primarily conceived for these purposes. Later it was noticed that it was also possible to achieve facial rejuvenation.

When, through exercise, you manage to get rid of neuroses and come to a peaceful state, this is immediately reflected in your appearance.

How exactly does the face transform if everything is done correctly:

• wrinkles are smoothed out,
• the double chin becomes less obvious,
• The oval of the face is tightened.

You can perform acupressure facial skin massage for rejuvenation using the Shiatsu method without special equipment or tools.