Shiatsu Massage

[blueyz22]

I got a shiatsu massage today. It was my first time. I read up on it before getting it. It sounded like something I would enjoy.

My question is how am I supposed to feel? I thought it was supposed to balance my "ki". I feel the same. Is there going to be a delayed reaction? Will I feel better tomorrow?

Anyone else ever get this type of massage? Or did this therapist just suck?

 

[SweetErika]

You should probably feel relaxed, at ease, have less muscle tension, etc. Drinking lots of water will help you flush any toxins released out of your system.

I don't know about the whole "balanced ki/chi/qi" thing. I'm thinking if that was your point in getting the massage, you may very well be disappointed. I'd suggest aiming for relaxation or tension/pain reduction, and seeing if you feel more balanced, with future massages. Then, even if it doesn't do anything for your ki, at least your body will feel good!

You might try things like acupuncture and tai chi (or a similar mind, body, spirit practice) if you feel something's amiss with your chi. I do know they both do *something* for people who are open to healing.

 

[blueyz22]

Thanks for responding SweetErika. Actually I feel really tired. And my lower back feels sore. Maybe I will feel better after a nice hot shower.

 

[SweetErika]

Probably. I usually come home and spend some quality time with my heating pad after my massages. Because they're therapeutic and my MT goes really deep and screws with very angry muscles, I'm always sore for a day or two after. Sometimes it feels worse before it feels better.

You might want to try a few different therapists and styles before deciding on who you're going to continue seeing, if that's your plan. I've been to many MTs, and there are definitely some really good ones and really bad ones out there!

 

[emptynester]

?

I hate to sound really stupid and know I could look it up (been on my computer at work all day though) but what exactly is a shiatsu massage?

 

[blueyz22]

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-shiatsu-massage.htm

Shiatsu massage treats common psychological and physical complaints by pressing pressure points. Proponents believe it alleviates disorders such as depression, anxiety, nausea, stiffness, headaches, arthritis, cramps, or pulled muscles. This Japanese equivalent of the Chinese method of acupressure comes from the Japanese words "shi" and "atsu," meaning "finger pressure."

ShiatsuShiatsuShiatsu massagemassagemassage, sometimes called Zen shiatsu, unifies spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of the body. Some westernized massagemassagemassage techniques are combined with the view that energy, qi or chi, circulates along channels called meridians. When freely flowing, chi brings fresh, strong energy and carries away spent energy along with toxins. In this view, any number of influences upset our natural balance of yin and yang. Blocked or diverted chi must be cleared and restored. An Eastern perspective doesn't cite sleeplessness, indigestion, swollen joints, headaches, or depression as sources of discomfort, but sees them as symptoms of either hyperactive or underproductive chi.

A shiatsushiatsushiatsu masseuse first makes his or her diagnosis, assessing where chi flows healthily and where it may be siphoned or obstructed. They will ask if you have any specific ailments, and then do light massaging to feel which pressure points are stiff or tender. These pressure points lie along fourteen meridians running the length of your body. Once diagnosing your problem areas, the masseuse gently but firmly applies pressure using his or her fingers, knuckles, thumbs, palms, toes, feet, knees, and elbows.

Two meridians are central, drawing chi through your torso: the Governor along your back, and the Conception down your front. The other twelve meridians occur in mirrored pairs along the symmetric halves of your body. These do not only directly control organs; rather they are associated with the function and symbolism of each organ. These meridians are named the stomach, small and large intestine, spleen/pancreas, liver, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder, heart, lungs, sex, and triple heater.

When visiting a practitioner of shiatsushiatsushiatsu massagemassagemassage, wear thin, loose, comfortable clothing, such as cotton or linen. Expect to lie flat on the floor, a beaded mat, or a futon, so your muscles relax as much as possible. Be prepared to tell the masseuse what you would like worked on. If you have headaches, try to remember if they occur in the morning, after eating spicy food, reading for a long time, or vigorous exercise. Make sure to inform the masseuse of any westernized medical treatment you are receiving, as well.

Most people enjoy shiatsushiatsushiatsu massagemassagemassage as much as they enjoy deep tissue massagemassagemassage, but expect some differences. ShiatsuShiatsuShiatsu will involve deep breathing, rotating and stretching your joints, as well as manipulating pressure points. When these points are pressed, people describe the sensation as feeling tender, tickling, intense, or slightly uncomfortable, unlike anything else. After the massagemassagemassage, you may feel strange, but not sore as in a muscular tissue massagemassagemassage. Many believe ShiatsuShiatsuShiatsu is both preventative and healing, so getting it done on a regular basis, along with stretching, exercise, and a healthy diet, may improve your health.


I felt better after my shower. I also must say that on Thursday I felt really calm. Maybe mind over matter? I don't know. But even today I felt "lighter." I'll see how it goes over the next few days.

And yes, Sweet Erika I plan to try different massages. Up next: hot stone massage.

 

[emptynester]

Wow, thanks for the info Blueyz22. We have a masseuse in our office complex but I have never ventured over to find out much about it.

A couple of the girls I used to work with were always going for full body massages once a month or so. I have often wondered about it and even had a certificate offered to me by a business associate, but never took them up on the offer.

I think the key would be total relaxation and I am not sure if I could achieve that goal. I am too reserved I think to relax enough to enjoy the benefits, but it sounds very appealing, I must admit.

Again, thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

[angle1984]

I think the key would be total relaxation and I am not sure if I could achieve that goal. I am too reserved I think to relax enough to enjoy the benefits, but it sounds very appealing, I must admit.

Again, thanks for clearing that up for me.

I think you'd be surprised at how easy it is to relax. I usually have a hard time relaxing around people I don't know but usually within 5-10 minutes I'm ready to fall asleep

 

[bailadora]

I think the key would be total relaxation and I am not sure if I could achieve that goal. I am too reserved I think to relax enough to enjoy the benefits, but it sounds very appealing, I must admit.

Again, thanks for clearing that up for me.

One of the keys to being able to relax, IMO is in finding a therapist who is really good and understands you, your body and it's particular issues. It's sort of like building a relationship - it takes time and trust to achieve, but when you do find the therapist that clicks with you - it is very easy to relax and let go. Of course, when they leave the company (like mine just did), it really sucks and you may have to start all over again.