What Is Japanese Massage?

Japanese massage is thought of as any massage originating in Japan. There are two fundamental massages of Japanese origin, “shiatsu” and “kobido.” Then there are different versions due to the mixture of numerous oriental techniques. Japanese massage is based on old traditional Chinese medicine such as the “qi meridians.”  Shiatsu technique also derives from an older Japanese massage technique called “Anma.” 

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan. It makes use of kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching techniques and is usually done without oil and performed with clothing.  Shiatsu translates to "finger pressure" in Japanese language. There are many varieties of Shiatsu, all of which have roots in one in all 3 structures that evolved in Japan in the early 1900s. It also derived from the cause of a resurgence of Japan's medical therapies, together with acupuncture and Anma massage. Shiatsu evolved from the mixing of common Japanese therapies with present day western medical understanding, as well as traditional Chinese medical remedies.

Brief History

Shiatsu was invented and developed by Akashi Kan Ichi in 1320. It evolved from the old traditional technique anma. Acupuncturist Sugiyama Waichi developed and popularised the anma technique around seventeen century. Since Sugiyama's time, massage in Japan was strongly related to the blind. Sugiyama, who's blind himself, started some medical colleges for the blind which taught this practice. 

Tokujiro Namikoshi founded his shiatsu university in the 1940s and his legacy became the national reputation of shiatsu as an independent remedy in Japan. He is generally believed to have invented modern-day shiatsu. Although, shiatsu became already in use in 1919, when a book referred to as “Shiatsu Ho” ("finger pressure method") became available by Tamai Tempaku. 

Principle and Benefits of Shiatsu

The Japanese Ministry of Health defines shiatsu as "a form of manipulation by thumbs, arms and hands without using instruments, mechanical or to use pressure to the human skin to accurately heal inner damages, achieve and preserve health, and deal with unique diseases. The strategies utilised in shiatsu consist of stretching, holding, and more commonly, leaning body weight into different points on your body alongside key channels." The exercise of shiatsu is primarily based on the traditional Chinese idea of “qi'', which is often defined as an "energy flow". Qi is supposedly channelled with pathways inside the human body, referred to as “meridians”, imposing a number of effects. Despite claims and practitioners that use the techniques and ways of shiatsu, Meridians are not real anatomical structures. Scientists have found no evidence that supports their existence, key proponents of their existence have not come to any conclusion as to how they might work or be tested in a scientific context.

conclusion

Using a combination of kneading, tapping, pulling and pressure, practitioners target the l​egs, back, arms and neck. Japanese Massage aims to bring about relaxation and healing, not just with the physical body, but also on an emotional and spiritual level. It energises the whole system, activates blood circulation and helps the body to eliminate toxins. It has been confirmed that this massage technique restores vitality, helps the immune system and stimulates the body's defence system. We recommend you to try out Japanese Massage in Carisma Spa venues to feel the healing effects of shiatsu!