Shiatsu massage: effectiveness and benefits for face and body

• 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 to influence the points correctly?

For the best result, Japanese shiatsu facial gymnastics must be performed according to certain rules:

• The best time to practice is in the morning.
• First, treat your skin with a cleansing lotion and warm your face with a warm compress for 10 minutes. Apply moisturizer.
• Perform leisurely movements, fingers should be perpendicular to the points of influence.
• Be careful not to turn your fingers as this can stretch the skin.
• Press the points moderately, avoiding very painful sensations. The thicker the subcutaneous layer of fat, the more you can apply it with your fingers.
• Perform all movements smoothly and calmly, pressing on biologically active points for 5-7 seconds.

Contraindications for shiatsu are the same as for Asahi gymnastics. It is necessary to study daily and try not to miss classes that will take from 7 to 15 minutes.

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.

Indications and contraindications

Shiatsu is a quick gymnastics for both facial rejuvenation and:

• nervous disorders,
• diseases of the heart, blood vessels, respiratory organs,
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Massage is contraindicated for those who have the following problems:

• exacerbation of any disease,
• infectious processes in the body,
• allergies, skin inflammations,
• various neoplasms,
• vascular pathologies causing hematomas, general deterioration of the condition, etc.

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

What is Shiatsu massage?

This type of massage belongs to alternative medicine and can be used as an additional treatment method. Literally, the word shiatsu means “finger pressure” or “hand calming.”

The principle of massage is based on influencing acupuncture points and meridians. Acupuncture points are located on the surface of the skin. They are located exclusively on energy meridians that pass through the entire body. These points can tell about the existing dysfunctions of organs and systems.

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.

Dots on lips

To have a charming smile and forget about nasolabial folds and wrinkles around the mouth, regularly massage the following points: • in the center under the lower lip. It can also be used to relieve swelling of the face, toothache (in the lower jaw); massage of this area is also used for paralysis of the facial nerve. • Against the folds around the mouth : use the tips of your middle and index fingers to massage the corners of your mouth for 30 seconds. • Using three fingers (index, middle and ring) of both hands, placed in a row above the upper lip , make 4-5 pressures. This exercise prevents the appearance of vertical wrinkles on the lip. By the way, the point under the nose - if intensively massaged - can “bring it back to life” after fainting.

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

Acupressure technique for feet and legs

Foot massage

Fatigue and stress in the feet can be relieved using the following manipulations:

• Finger massage. There are many active points on the fingers that activate blood circulation and help cope with the disease.
• Alternate pressure on points located along the central axis of the foot.
• Heel massage. Pressure on the heel from all sides.
• The outer surface of the foot contains several active points. The massage is carried out along the fragile Achilles tendon, starting from the area above the heel.
• Alternately press on 3 points located at the junction of the lower leg and foot. Points for tired legs

Foot massage

The massage is carried out vertically along the back of the lower leg. There are active points throughout this area. They start at the top of the kneecap and end at the heel. It is carried out by alternately pressing on each point, starting from the popliteal region and ending with the foot.

Points on the knee

First, the skin is warmed up. To do this, lightly pat and pinch the shin. Then apply pressure to points along the outer and inner thighs.

Finish the massage with stroking, which will relax all muscles and soothe disturbed tissues.

Japanese Shiatsu massage can be mastered by anyone. The technique is indispensable for those who feel tired of any muscle group.

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

Contraindications to Shiatsu gymnastics

Japanese gymnastics undoubtedly gives a positive result, but it, like other types of massage, has contraindications:

• postoperative scars on the face, abrasions and wounds;
• various allergic reactions (spots, inflammation);
• colds, high fever;
• poor blood clotting;
• neoplasms on the skin (moles, papillomas);
• herpes;
• dermatological skin problems.

Previously, masters of this type of massage did not conduct any preliminary examinations, but due to the fact that there are still contraindications and there are quite a few of them, experts still insist on consulting doctors before conducting sessions of this gymnastics.

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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.

“Managing” wrinkles

And a very important addition for women of all ages: eight meridians pass through the face and form a very dense energy network - it supplies energy to all parts of the face and head. Within the framework of the shiatsu technique, it is possible to effectively influence the meridians to correct muscle tone, i.e. “manage” wrinkles.

When wrinkles appear around the eyes, apply pressure and massage points 1, 2, 3, 4 (Fig. 4). Then press on point 5, under the eye, and fan-like massage the face towards the ears. To get rid of wrinkles on the forehead, you should massage it with vertical movements, having previously pressed point 6. Then you need to make several wave-like movements above the ears. Next, press point 8 and massage your forehead with horizontal movements. To get rid of wrinkles around the mouth and neck, you need to press points 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and massage your face and neck in the directions indicated by the arrows.

Points 1-13 in Figure 4 are indicated on only one side of the face. There are exactly the same points on the other side. Therefore, you need to work with both hands at the same time: massage the right side with your right hand, and the left side with your left hand.

After the massage, it is recommended to stand in front of the mirror and carefully look at the places that you just massaged. If

if a person really wants it, then wrinkles will decrease from procedure to procedure. You need to massage your face constantly. Japanese women do this every day.

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.

For eyes

Shiatsu points for good vision

There are 10 active points around the eyes, the stimulation of which helps to cope with eye diseases:

1. Xizhukong. It is useful to massage to relieve headaches and stimulate blood circulation. This effect helps improve vision and cope with prolonged migraines.
2. Temple. Massage helps get rid of eye diseases.
3. Yuyao. Responsible for nerve endings. Stimulation helps to heal keratitis and overcome facial paralysis.
4. Tongqilao. Optical atrophy.
5. Kiuhu. Removes fat and cleanses eyes through intense hydration.
6. Chengki. Renitis, lacrimation.
7. Zanshu. Blurred image.
8. Kinging. Relieves heat and inflammation.
9. Sibay. Trinitarian neuralgia.
10. Bitong. Inflammation of the sinuses.

For strabismus

For massage, use three fingers brought together. They are located on the upper edge of the eye socket. The massage is carried out for 7 seconds. In this case, the eyeball should not be touched. Then, by analogy, the movements along the lower edge of the eyes are repeated.

The middle and thumbs are focused on the outer tips of the eyebrows, pointing the index finger in the center. The inner and outer corners of the eyes are gently massaged with fingertips.

A good exercise is to press and hold your fingers on your eyelids for 10 seconds. The number of approaches should not be more than three.

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.

How to find points

A very important point, since this is the key to the effectiveness of the procedure. As a rule, the points are located in small depressions under the skin and are slightly painful when pressed.

Consider a few nuances: • Press on each point for only 3-6 to 10 seconds. • In this case, a slight pain or warmth should be felt at the point of contact, but no painful or unpleasant sensations should arise! • You can apply pressure with one (index or thumb) or two or three fingers (index-middle-ring). • If the points are paired, they need to be massaged with both hands at the same time. And one more thing: • It is advisable to do the procedure in the morning, after you have cleansed your face and applied a moisturizer to the skin: the effect will be stronger, plus you will feel pleasant warmth and a charge of vigor. • You can apply a little grape seed or wheat germ oil to the skin instead of cream to enhance the effect. • After the procedure, it is advisable to make a nourishing and softening mask. • Keep in mind that acupressure is strictly contraindicated in areas of damaged or inflamed skin!

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 facial massage with shiatsu elements

Japanese facial massage with shiatsu elements is extremely popular. The massage therapist sits on his heels behind the person's head: close enough so that it is between his thighs. First, he places his hands on the shoulders of the person being massaged in order to establish contact and create mutual trust. Then he takes the head in his hands, after which he gently and regularly presses the neck alternately with one and the other hand, starting from the shoulders and ending with the back of the head. This ensures relaxation of the muscles of the neck and face.

Leaving the massaged head on the floor, he runs his thumb along the lines on the face. On the forehead it moves from the center to the edges , around the eyes along the edges of the eye sockets, and then along the grooves that run from the holes on both sides of the nostrils to the cheeks. The upper and lower jaws are massaged from the inside to the sides, along a line running vertically from the mandibular joint to the temple. Both sides of the face are pressed simultaneously.

Finally, he tilts his head to one side, massaging with one hand and massaging the neck and scalp with the other. With her head back on the ground, the masseuse places her fingers on her closed eyelids for a moment.

The massage is carried out calmly, because there are many starting and ending points of meridians on the face:

• at the outer ends of the eyebrows - a triple heater
• on the outer corners of the eyes - the gallbladder
• at the intersection of the inner corners of the mouth and the base of the nose - the bladder
• between the nostrils and cheekbones - the stomach
• in the grooves at the nostrils - the large intestine
• at the base of the auricle - the small intestine