Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage, an Eastern-based massage modality not only relaxes, but revitalizes you. It provides not only the calming and quieting that you would expect from a Western massage, but so much more. It moves and balances our Chi, our vital life force, increasing our vitality and building the foundation for health.
History
This style of massage, developed in Japan, is influenced primarily by the Chinese understanding of the body, asserting that we are comprised not only of flesh, but also a network of energy channels called Meridians. According the the ancient Chinese medical text, Nei Jing, “The function of the channels (Meridians) is to transport Chi (energy) and to nourish the body.” While we cannot see Chi, it can be measured with devices that detect electromagnetic fields, and it can be felt by each of us. When we feel elated, we feel a surge of Chi moving through our bodies. When we feel depressed, we feel the stagnation of Chi, making us feel inert, stuck or unable to motivate.
12 Meridians
There are 12 Meridians that circulate Chi throughout our bodies. The Chinese understand that the the unobstructed or balanced flow of Chi through the Meridians in the foundation of health. Chi blockages are the foundation of tension, pain or dis-ease. These blockages may be the result of stress, injury, trauma, or bad living habits (in diet, addictions, or lack of exercise). The key to strong immunity, vitality and health, is to keep the Meridian pathways unobstructed and flowing with abundant Chi.
Shiatsu Builds Health
Shiatsu Massage is a technique developed specifically to balance the Chi flow through the Meridian pathways. In a full-body Shiatsu massage, each of the 12 Meridian channels are massaged using rhythmic finger and palm pressure along these pathways. This slow, rhythmic compressive style of massage will engage the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxing the nervous system, while simultaneously opening Meridian blockages and revitalizing Chi flow. This is a massage that offers not only the sedating benefit of our Western Swedish Massage, but also the deeper benefit of increasing our Chi or vitality, and building a foundation for health.
Clothing Optional?
As all Eastern styles of massage, Shiatsu is received with soft, comfortable clothing on. Traditionally, this style of massage is offered on a thick, cushy floor mat. At Osmosis, we offer this traditional style, referred to as Floor Shiatsu, as well as a Western version, called Table Shiatsu. These are equally beneficial and can be booked with one of our highly trained and skilled massage therapists.
If you have never experienced Shiatsu Massage, you are in for a treat!
Book your appointment today!
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Raizelah Bayen is a California Certified Massage Therapist, currently employed as the Director of Training and Massage Therapist Supervisor at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone, California. She has been practicing massage for over 25 years, and teaching T’ui Na, Acupressure, Sports and Pregnancy Massage in massage certification programs for 15 years. Raizelah is an approved CEU Instructor by the National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), offering trainings in Freestone, California and on-site training at your massage school or spa. For more information, connect with Raizelah Bayen on LinkedIn.
Please contact raizelah@osmosis.com for information on upcoming trainings in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology, and Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers scheduled in Sebastopol, California. Or book Raizelah for an on-site training in your massage school or spa in T’ui Na, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Foot Reflexology or Body Mechanics for Bodyworkers.
