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Practically every country in the world has developed a kind of massage that is quite unique to itself and some have invented more than one. Shiatsu is a Japanese variant of massage and the word translates as ‘ finger pressure’ in English. It is one of the more energetic kinds of massage.

Shiatsu is probably based on the Chinese idea of meridians and acupuncture although this form of massage therapy uses acupressure instead of needles. For the rest the philosophy is quite similar. Applying pressure to various points on the meridians is meant to restore balance to the body’s life force.

The massage therapist does this by applying pressure, maintained for several seconds, to various points that he or she determine to be the right ones to accomplish their aim of making you feel better. Advocates of shiatsu say that it improves circulation, which delivers more oxygen to the affected area, which relieves muscle pain and stiffness.

Unlike Swedish massage therapy, which uses broad sweeping, relaxing strokes by and large, shiatsu uses sustained pressure, which can become a little uncomfortable or even painful. The customer has the option of asking the masseur to use less pressure, but at the danger that the therapy will be less effective.

This is the dilemma for both the patient and the masseur. More can be achieved more quickly through a little pain, but the same could be gained during several milder sessions. In general, it is worth allowing the masseur to take charge, but register your discomfort / pain by exhaling as if you have been struck.

Shiatsu massage does not employ any oil and is a mild form of therapeutic massage in a similar vein to Thai massage, although it is less enthusiastic than its Thai cousin. However, shiatsu, like Thai massage, is an excellent remedy for joint pain, including backache, constipation, poor digestion. stress and sleeplessness.

Because shiatsu is a forceful massage technique, it is not recommended for individuals with cuts and bruises, delicate skin or any skin diseases at all. It is OK to go to a session having consumed something light like a small salad, but most people find it better to fast until after the massage is over, because there may be some abdominal massage of the stomach, although you can request to forego that.

Shiatsu can be performed on a massage bed or, more usually in the East, on a thin mattress on the floor. A typical session will last an hour and the massage may be carried out with clothes on or just a towel. The foremost thing is to feel relaxed before you start, even if you do not afterwards. The room should be well-ventilated with reasonable (natural) lighting.

Shiatsu is not one massage therapy but a number of them, so if you go to northern Japan, you will probably encounter another type from the south and definitely another type from New York or London. This is not a problem, it is standard.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with the thai massage parlor video. If you have an interest in massage, please go over to our web site now at Classes For Massage Therapy

Swedish massage therapy is the most common type of massage given in Europe and America, so if you have ever had a massage, it was probably a Swedish massage.

Swedish massage therapy is the most gentle of the full-body massages, which makes it perfect as a general massage therapy. It is usually performed with oil, which gives it its other name of oil massage.

It is such a mild massage that you could have one a number of times a week, but it will invigorate and stimulate you. The massage therapist rubs oil into the skin with a firm, but fairly light pressure in the direction of the blood flowing back to the heart. This takes some of the work load off the heart as well.

The Swedish massage was purposely made up in the 18th Century and so is occasionally known as the ‘classic massage’. It was intended to relax the body by stimulating the flow of blood, but what they did not know then, was that this procedure assists remove lactic acid, uric acid and other natural waste substances from everyday living that build up in the joints every day.

Because of the manner in which the massage is carried out, the body gets all the benefits of an increased circulation without the body having to work more for it. This is like compound interest for the body - something for nothing and it simulates mild exercise like walking.

Like with walking, Swedish massage stretches the ligaments, tendons and muscles to keep them pliable and flexible. This makes this form of massage ideal for people who are bed-ridden or in a wheelchair.

The therapist might use the flats of the hands, the heals of the hands, the finger points or the knuckles to get the right effect. There is often a little bending and stretching of the joints too. Oil is rubbed into small areas of the body at a time as they are being massaged. This oil may ruin clothing, so a lot of people take their massage in the nude.

If you or the masseur are not comfortable with this, you may wear a baggy t-shirt and shorts, your bathing costume or a towel. However, you may opt to have a masseur (male) or masseuse (female) therapist if you like.

A session is usually booked in half-hour blocks. Most people will have a one hour session (two blocks), but 90 minutes and two hours are common too. The massage is usually carried out in a private booth or room for absolute privacy. Once you are in that room, you may call the shots with regard to the severity of the massage. If it is too rough or not rough enough, merely say.

Similarly, if you do not like the music or would prefer not have any music at all, just say so. In the same vein, therapists are only normal individuals, some are chatty, some tell jokes and some are quiet. If you want to talk, merely talk and if the therapist is talking too much, simply request a bit of peace and quiet.

Owen Jones, the writer of this article, writes on many topics, but is at present concerned with the massage therapy school online. If you have an interest in massage, please go over to our web site now at Classes For Massage Therapy