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by Mary Blackmon
Spa-Addicts.com
Editor-In-Chief
Want to book it? Find it here.
 WHAT IS IT?! Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu is an ancient practice that means “finger pressure,” also called acupressure. It is an Oriental massage in which the fingers are pressed on specific points of the body to ease ache, pain, tension, fatigue and symptoms of disease. These points called “tsubos” are spots in the muscular system where nerves sometimes may hurt or feel uncomfortable, causing the flow of energy through the body to be blocked. All of this helps bring the mind, body and spirit together, and is a deeply relaxing and therapeutic experience.
In Shiatsu, you will find the Eastern point of view where the law of the five elements are followed: wood, earth, water, fire and earth. This corresponds to different areas of the body, where energy may be depleted. This also involves the balance and interplay of Yin energy, negative or passive, as well as Yang energy, which is positive and active. The interplay of these forces within the body determines the state of balance one may feel.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
You will be taken into a room with a very comfortable mat on the floor, where I was given loose, comfortable clothes to slip into. (Check with individual spa to find if this is offered). Shiatsu offers the chance for the practitioner to “read” your body, and the better the practitioner or therapist, the more in tune they will become with what your body needs. In terms of energy, they may sense that your body is being “blocked” at certain points and work to release the tension. The therapist will work with the 5 elements mentioned above and follow what your body tells him/her, in order to provide a very relaxing and balancing experience.
There will be some stretching involved, and as one practitioner explained, it is almost like “meditation in motion.” As your body surrenders to the experience, the more relaxed and at peace your body will become.
HOW WILL I FEEL?
The benefits of regular Shiatsu massage include relief of joint pain, fatigue, anxiety and headaches as well as deep relaxation, greater self-awareness, increased ability to sense and balance your own energy and finding greater inner peace. Most people feel recharged, more balanced and more “calm” after a single session. I felt completely recharged and de-stressed, plus the pain around my neck subsided.
TIP:
For maximum effect, it is recommended not to eat solid foods or drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages for 2 hours before a session. Call the spa to learn whether they will provide loose clothes for you.
WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
I had this terrific first-time experience at the Olive Leaf Wholeness Center and Spa in NYC. You can also find this at Spa Mystique in LA and at Sente Bella Spa in San Diego. Feel free to contact your other favorite spas and ask them if they offer this service as well. NOTE: Olive Leaf Wholeness Center and Spa pictured here.
Is there a treatment that you'd like to know about? Let us know! Email us: suggestions@spa-addicts.com.
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