How does massage therapy work?

There are many various techniques associated with massage, although the basis behind all of them is simply the kneading of muscles, tendons and ligaments. The masseur as the therapist who performs the massage is called will use their hands to not only give the massage, but to also determine any physical and emotional problems that the person is suffering from.

They will do this by gently palpitating the patients muscles, tendons and ligaments to find the cause of any pain and also to tell the condition that the body is in, the hands are the only tool which the qualified masseur will use. The massage therapy works on virtually the whole system of the body with either a mechanical reaction or a reflex one.

If it is a mechanical one then it is performed by moving the muscles underneath the skin by applying pressure or using stretching movements, this technique loosens up any joints which are stiff and dissolves fibrous tissue. If one part of the body which is being massaged affects another then this is caused a reflex action.

Different parts of the human body are connected by nerve pathways, many alternative therapies believe that energy flows throughout the body and it is when this energy gets blocked that problems occur within the body.

The massage therapist will therefore sometimes massage a seemingly unrelated area to the where you think the problem is, for example they could massage your arms when dealing with a complaint of the stomach.

What does a massage therapy consist of?

The average massage therapy session can last from anything between 1 to 1/12 hours, sometimes even longer, especially if it is your first session with a therapist. The massage will take place on a special massage table which has an opening to allow your face to fall through if you are having your back massaged.

The patient will usually be asked to undress and towels will be used to cover parts of the body that aren’t immediately going to be massaged. The only other tools of the trade that the massage therapist will use, is talcum powder or warm oil and usually the whole body will be given a light massage as a way of helping you to relax, then the therapist will concentrate on the immediate problem which sent you to them.

Besides being an excellent tool to alleviate stress and anxiety, massage therapy is able to help alleviate many other conditions. While massage therapy isn’t a cure as such, those suffering from persistent problems such as pain in the back or joints have found that massage is an excellent way of treating it.

How is shiatsu performed?

The basis behind shiatsu is touch, this helps to ease the blockage of the energy force allowing it to flow freely again. Along with this, changes to the person’s lifestyle will be suggested as a way of maintaining good flow of the Chi and thus keeping in good health.

During a consultation the practitioner will ask general questions regarding the problem that brought you to them, the symptoms you are experiencing, where you are feeling pain if anywhere and will ask questions about your mental health and lifestyle in general.

Depending on the answers that you give, will depend on the techniques which are used by the practitioner, these can vary from gentle pressing using the palms of the hands, the thumbs, fingers, knees, elbows and feet.

Shiatsu is a form of alternative medicine that treats the person as a whole rather than treating and suppressing the symptoms associated with the problem. Almost all alternative medicine systems are based on the body being able to repair itself given a chance and have the right factors, such as a healthy diet, exercise and positive outlook.

How long does a consultation last?

During your first consultation you will be asked various questions and be given a thorough examination due to this the first time you visit a practitioner it will take around 2 hours. After this a therapy session will under normal circumstances last for around 1 hour.

The session will usually take place lying on the floor on a mat fully clothed, with the aim of the treatment for the patient to remain as relaxed and comfortable as possible during the whole session.

The different types of shiatsu

There are several different style of shiatsu massage and different schools will teach different styles, many schools will teach more than one form of massage and many practitioners will go on to blending together forms which they are particularly fond of and which they find to be more effective than others.

Namikoshi shiatsu is perhaps the most widely used form of shiatsu and places great emphasis on the physical techniques of rubbing and pressing areas of the body. This is the most modern style of shiatsu massage and downplays the importance of the Chi or energy channels.

Zen shiatsu is another popular form of shiatsu and tends to blend the Namikoshi style with traditional styles which place great importance on the flow of energy throughout the body. Therefore the massage style reflects this and the practitioner will rely on using techniques which encourage the Chi to flow unhindered throughout the channels.