Shiatsu – Deep Tissue Therapy
Shiatsu is a holistic form of therapy that improves a person’s overall health by affecting their Qi. Shiatsu massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the therapist uses techniques through deeper pressure points or channels in the body beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The objective of Shiatsu massage is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). The therapist uses techniques to reactivate or stimulate the blood and Qi circulation. Meanwhile, they may utilize techniques to diffuse excess energy in anxious and stressed individuals
Shiatsu Massage Techniques
The Shiatsu technique uses pressure from the fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, knuckles and feet (also known as Ashiatsu) to treat specific problem areas, promote improved health and correct any internal malfuctions.
What is Swedish Massage Therapy?
Swedish massage therapy is the therapy that most people think about massage. The primary goal of the Swedish massage technique is to relax the entire body. This is accomplished by rubbing the muscles with long gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage is exceptionally beneficial for increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, decreasing muscle toxins, improving circulation and flexibility while easing tension.
A study conducted found that people who received a 45-minute Swedish massage experienced significant decreases in levels of the stress hormone cortisol, as well as arginine vasopressin-a hormone that can lead to increases in cortisol (the body’s stress hormone). They also had increases in the number of lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the immune system, and a boost in the immune cells that may help fight colds and the flu.
Swedish Massage Techniques
Additional Swedish massage techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching. Before and during your massage session, talk to your professional massage therapist so that your massage is customized to your specific needs.
A 2010 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massages like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin.
Ask your certified professional massage therapist to see if a deep tissue massage therapy would be beneficial for you.
Reflexology
Involves applying pressure to specific areas of the feet and hands with the thumb, fingers, and specialized hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. It is used to relieve pain or discomfort and to removed blockages to different areas in the body. The treatment is performed in different “Zones” of the feet and hands (sometimes the ears) corresponding the problem areas that should be alleviated in the body, therefore the treatment is customized to the customer’s specific needs. This necessitates a very thorough intake to get the most benefit out of the reflexology treatment.
