Acupressure and Shiatsu technique

Acupressure

The term acupressure refers to the Chinese technique of pressure massage. Shiatsu is the Japanese alternative to acupressure.

Acupressure and Shiatsu are both acupressure massage techniques. Pressure is applied with the fingertips, thumbs, palms, and sometimes the elbows. Points on known meridians from acupuncture are massaged. The term acupressure refers to the Chinese technique of acupressure massage, Shiatsu is the Japanese variant of acupressure.

Acupuncture philosophy

Acupressure and Shiatsu are based on the same philosophical foundation as acupuncture. Accordingly, health means the unobstructed flow of life energy Qi (Traditional Chinese Medicine). This is only possible if yin and yang energy are understood in harmony. If this harmony is disturbed, for example by climatic influences, uncontrolled emotions, unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, or lack of exercise, disease may develop.

In order to heal again, one must correct the disturbance in the energy balance. To balance the energy, the therapist stimulates or soothes acupuncture points distributed along meridians throughout the body. This is possible through acupuncture, moxibustion (a special technique in which acupoints are irritated by heat) or - as in acupressure and Shiatsu - through acupressure massage. In this way, energy can be saved or removed in a targeted manner where there is an imbalance.

Acupressure and Shiatsu technique

Before starting treatment, an accurate diagnosis should be made. Diagnostic methods in China and Japan are consistent with those used in traditional Chinese medicine, and in Europe they are often replaced by examination of individual acupuncture points using electrical devices. After diagnosis, the therapist massages around the acupuncture points to be treated in circular motions. Each area is massaged for between five seconds and two minutes with the thumb, fingertips, back of the hand and elbow.

Firm pressure, sometimes applied by an acupressure or shiatsu therapist using his or her entire body weight, is said to have a calming effect. This pressure can sometimes be painful. Different movements support energy balance and strengthen the body. Gentle massage stimulates the body. Shiatsu or acupressure treatment lasts about half an hour and is repeated several times.

Use acupressure and shiatsu

Although acupressure and Shiatsu have a similar effect to acupuncture, acupressure massage techniques are mainly used to maintain health. Basically, acupressure and shiatsu can also be used successfully in the presence of functional disorders. These are diseases and complaints that occur in the organism without any noticeable change. These include, for example: joint and muscle complaints, gastrointestinal disorders, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, respiratory diseases, and stress-related complaints such as sleep disorders. In addition, acupressure and shiatsu can provide relief from various pain conditions, such as :

Headaches and migraines
Back ache
Joint pain
Chronic pain

Unlike acupuncture, the acupressure massage technique can also be used as self-treatment. Acupressure and related treatment techniques are sometimes used only for complaints (eg, nausea or vomiting) without taking traditional Chinese medicine into account.

Side effects of acupuncture

Acupressure and shiatsu are particularly effective in relieving functional disorders. Acupressure massage techniques no longer work on already damaged organs, muscles or bones. Therefore, acupressure and shiatsu should not be performed on diseased or inflamed areas. In addition, the acupressure massage technique should not be used in patients with severe cardiovascular complaints, because existing pathology can worsen for a short period after treatment. Likewise, it is not permissible to massage any points connected to the abdomen during pregnancy. Because acupressure and shiatsu help relieve pain, important signs of serious illness may not be recognized and treated early. Therefore, acupressure or shiatsu should not be performed without prior medical clarification.

​