Modern science has long been skeptical of Eastern medicine. However, today many aspects of traditional teachings are actively used to treat certain diseases.
For example, in Japan in the 40s of the last century, practical therapy arose based on the ancient theory of circulation of Qi energy. Shiatsu massage, also known as Shiatsu or Siatsu, is an increasingly popular method of influencing certain points, which is used not only for therapeutic but also for cosmetic purposes.
How is Japanese massage beneficial for the body, how effective is it and how to use it correctly?
Features of Shiatsu massage technique
As you already know, shiatsu is a point technique. In order to learn how to perform such a massage effectively, you need a good knowledge of anatomy + it is important to undergo training from a practicing master. We'll tell you how to choose it at the end of the article. The technique is based on the rules of acupuncture, only instead of needles the master’s fingers act. One of the features of the shiatsu technique is the ability to treat pain that even medications and traditional massage techniques do not help.
Benefits of Shiatsu massage
Masters who master the technique of shiatsu massage open up enormous opportunities for solving common problems of patients: pain, insomnia, age-related changes, reduced immunity. Shiatsu massage helps everyone: from women suffering from facial rashes to men who want to eliminate problems with potency.
Shiatsu acupressure for face
Is it possible to perform self-massage using such a seemingly complex technique? Certainly! This shiatsu massage procedure will give results: it will improve your complexion, get rid of morning puffiness, slightly reduce wrinkles and creases, and calm the nervous system.
- The procedure is performed on cleansed facial skin without the use of oils. The exposure time for each point is 5-7 seconds, three approaches. The angle between the finger and the treated area is 90 degrees.
- To begin, use your fingertips to work all areas of your face using light patting movements.
- The forehead area is worked with three fingers of both hands (index, middle, ring). Place them on a horizontal line above the eyebrow. Press on these points for 5-7 seconds. Then step back 1 cm upward and work a parallel line. Then up again. There will be 4 such lines on each side.
- The next area is the eyebrows. Three points: the beginning of the eyebrow, the middle and the end. The impact is performed with the ring, middle, and index fingers of both hands.
- The outer and inner corners of the eye are worked with the index fingers.
- Use circular movements with three fingers on the bridge of the nose (between the eyebrows).
- The following movement will help with bags and bruises under the eyes: press three points with three fingers:
- 1.5 cm below the outer corner of the eye;
- 1.5 cm below the inner corner of the eye;
- 1.5 cm below the center of the lower eyelid.
- Use your index finger to work the area above your upper lip. Do not forget that the angle between the finger and the face area should be perpendicular.
- The area of the wings of the nose - on both sides with the index fingers
- “Grab” your earlobes with two fingers and hold for 5-7 seconds. Repeat three times.
- By analogy with the previous points, work on the corners of the lips and the area under the lower lip.
- To get rid of drooping facial features, act on three points located along the lower jaw bone.
- The last accent is the point located between the collarbones. Exposure to it will calm the nervous system.
Dangerous! Do not act on the point if there is a mole at a distance of 1 cm from it!
Layout of the “three royal points”
There are three main points, influencing which with your fingertips you can prolong youth and beauty for many years.
Royal Tenyo Point . It is located between the jaw and the lateral neck muscle, at a distance of one and a half to two centimeters below the earlobe. When pressing on it, pain appears, which disappears after several acupressure procedures.
Impact on this point improves complexion and helps get rid of swelling of the face and neck.
Royal point of Korea . It is located under the cheekbone perpendicular to the pupil. You can also recognize it by the pain it feels when pressing. Impact on this point helps eliminate wrinkles and removes sagging cheek skin.
Royal point of Sokkoku . It is located at the height of two fingers from the top of the ear, in a small depression. Using this point you can not only tighten your facial skin, but also get rid of headaches.
How to treat blepharitis of the eyelids? Find out the answer right now.
Contraindications to Shiatsu acupressure massage
This effective technique will be useful to most of your clients and almost every person who wants to practice self-massage. But there is a list of contraindications, the presence of which can make the shiatsu massage technique hazardous to health:
- The presence of inflammatory processes, oncology;
- Phlebeurysm;
- Increased body temperature;
- Tuberculosis;
- Open wounds and abrasions;
- Tuberculosis;
- Blood clotting disorders.
Education
How to do it yourself at home? The main element of the shiatsu massage technique is pressure, carried out in three ways:
- The pads of the thumbs.
- Simultaneously with the index, middle and ring fingers.
- Palm.
You should not make sudden movements . There is no need to “scroll” the skin over the points, as this can lead to the appearance of even more wrinkles. When operating with both hands, it is important to ensure that the pressing force is the same in both hands.
Shiatsu massage is most beneficial in the morning , after waking up. This procedure will take no more than fifteen minutes, but the effect will last for the whole day. Before you begin the acupressure procedure, you should prepare a little:
- Cleanse your face with lotion.
- Warm the skin over a steam bath for five to seven minutes to relax the muscles and blood vessels.
- Five minutes before the procedure, apply cream to your face.
- Light the aroma lamp, play calm music and relax.
Speed up your metabolism in 1 minute a day: Shiatsu massage for weight loss.
Japanese traditional medicine is based on the influence of individual points of the body on entire body systems. The knowledge of doctors of several centuries was combined in the technique of shiatsu massage, aimed at reducing body weight and accelerating metabolism. Impact just a few points, and the weight loss process will accelerate: without grueling physical activity and medications.
- The first point is a bone on the inside of the leg, located just above the foot. Massage it for 30 seconds.
- The second point is the bridge of the nose. Exposure time: 30 seconds.
- Using stroking movements, relax the back of your neck. Stroke the top of your head. Perform these movements for as long as you want: the longer, the more you can relax. This is necessary in order to calm the body, get rid of the influence of stress and balance the work of all internal organs.
Magic points: we treat diseases without doctors and drugs!
Practicing masters of shiatsu massage techniques help their patients get rid of serious illnesses without the use of medications - this is a feature of traditional Japanese medicine. Of course, novice specialists should work together with their treating doctors, but the result of a shiatsu massage will be positive in any case! We list the points whose impact will have an impact on entire systems of the body:
- The point located 5-6 cm below the navel is responsible for the energy balance and moral state of a person.
- Impact on the earlobes will help get rid of nervous tension. Massage them for a minute, and insomnia will have no place in your life!
- Massage your temples and bridge of your nose to increase your focus and energy.
- The effect on the popliteal hollows will have a beneficial effect on the health of the back - the pain will become less or completely go away.
- Simultaneous pressure on the center of the forehead and chin will help get rid of hot flashes, pain, discomfort, cramps during menstruation or menopause.
What effect should you expect from a massage?
Regular Shiatsu facial massage gives effective results, which are as follows:
- The skin aging process slows down.
- The production of elastin and collagen, substances that help actively fight wrinkles, increases.
- Blood circulation and facial skin tone are normalized.
- The condition of facial muscles improves, they become strong and elastic.
- The production of subcutaneous fat is normalized, and acne is reduced.
- Massage has a positive effect on skin color and facial shape.
It is quite possible to learn this technique . By doing this, you can give your facial skin health and beauty without incurring huge financial costs. And this, you see, is a pleasant bonus.
Representatives of what professions would benefit from learning shiatsu massage techniques?
- Massage therapists - you can add a new technique to your price list. Masters who master this technique stand out from competitors who can only perform classic massage options.
- For spa industry professionals, this relaxing treatment will delight your guests.
- For cosmetologists - any beauty procedure works more effectively if it is complemented by sessions aimed at relaxing the body and getting rid of cramps.
The secrets of shiatsu massage are also useful for those who want to help family and friends by giving a massage after a hard day at work. Shiatsu self-massage for the face is a good opportunity to start controlling the costs of cosmetologist services.
Features of the technique
Shiatsu is a type of Japanese acupressure that stimulates the flow of blood and lymph, and also has a positive effect on thoughts and energy flows in the human body. Its name literally translates to “fingers” and “to press.”
And despite the fact that the technique arose relatively recently, it is considered a modern adaptation of the traditional Japanese “amma” massage, which local healers have been practicing for centuries.
Thanks to the targeted effect, the shiatsu massage procedure not only brings pleasant sensations, but also provides a healing effect. By pressing with your fingers and palms on certain places, you can stimulate the functions of the body's immune system, make the skin elastic and healthy, and relieve a person from various diseases and ailments.
How does the procedure affect the body?
In order for the effect on biologically active points to be positive, minimal knowledge of human anatomy and physiology is required.
What can you expect from a Japanese massage course?
- The overall effect is stimulation of the functioning of organs and systems, restoration of strength and energy reserves.
- Relieving nervous tension , preparing the body for a full night's sleep. It is useful to have a massage after a hard day at work; the procedure will relieve fatigue and discomfort.
- The technique is designed for complex action - not only the physical shell of a person receives help. With targeted manipulations, contact is established with emotional and spiritual energy.
According to the latest data, there is no scientific evidence of the effectiveness of shiatsu (shiatsu) practice. However, it has received a license from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan, is actively used and is constantly being improved.
Why doesn't shiatsu massage always help?
If the master does not have an experienced teacher, if he decides to study the technique on his own, then his procedures may be ineffective or even lead to negative results. Why is that? Shiatsu is a specific massage technique that requires excellent knowledge of anatomy. It is important to know every point perfectly and be able to accurately find it on the client’s face or body. How to achieve this? Learn from the experience of a professional practitioner.
The school of massage masters gives each student such an opportunity. Visit our website to meet specialists who want to impart their knowledge of Shiatsu massage and more to you!
Author of the article:
Practicing: 15 years, Teaching: 8 years
Video lesson of Japanese self-massage Shiatsu ↑
Our dossier: Shiatsu (Japanese: 指圧) is a system of therapeutic and health massage developed in the first half of the 20th century by the Japanese doctor Tokujiro Namikoshi. In 1919, Dr. Namikoshi published the book “The Shiatsu Method,” which outlines all the basic principles and techniques for using this massage. Six years later (1925), the first specialized Shiatsu clinic was opened, and in 1940, an educational institution for training specialists in Shiatsu therapy - the Japanese Shiatsu College, which still exists today. At the same time, the first professional community was established - the Japanese Shiatsu Association. In 1964, the Japanese Ministry of Health officially included shiatsu in the list of medical disciplines as an independent therapeutic method.