Dr. Wendy Hodsdon Portland Alternative Medicine, LLC Igniting Transformation for Health www.PortlandAlternativeMedicine.com Portland, Oregon

Shiatsu Massage - Portland Oregon

Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu Massage is a Japanese form of massage that utilizes finger pressure or acupressure along the energy pathways of the body. Shiatsu massage is a healing modality based on the same principles that underlie Chinese Medicine. Our body is made up of energy or Qi. This energy is essential to our health and longevity and when balanced and flowing well, allows the body to heal quickly and easily. The purpose of Shiatsu massage is to encourage the body to return to health by balancing the energy flows. Shiatsu massage stimulates pressure points and utilizes stretches to achieve this energetic balance.

Shiatsu is done through light clothing, using firm, rhythmic pressure from the hands, thumbs and fingers. This makes Shiatsu massage different from Western or Swedish massage. No oils or lotions are used, and the client stays fully clothed. Many people consider Shiatsu massage to be a type of deep tissue massage, although the intention is to listen to where the energy is flowing in the client, and work at that level to stimulate the healing energy. The massage can be very deep, or very light depending on what the body needs at that moment for support.

Shiatsu massage is beneficial for many types of musculoskeletal complaints, as well as chronic illnesses. Shiatsu removes blockages so that the energy in the body can move freely. Commonly treated conditions include joint pain, chronic muscle tensions, back and neck pain as well as insomnia, menopause, depression, anxiety, indigestion and chronic stress. A shiatsu treatment is time for the receiver to relax and heal.

A shiatsu massage usually leaves the client feeling refreshed, invigorated, and relaxed all at the same time. The most benefit from massage comes from receiving a series of shiatsu treatments every 1 to 2 weeks for a few months so the benefits can build over time. After the desired state of wellness is achieved, shiatsu massage can be part of a health maintenance plan to keep the body functioning optimally.

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