How is Shiatsu different to Remedial or Relaxation Massage Therapy?
Many people who have experienced bodywork or who have massage regularly will have experienced Remedial or Relaxation massage. Although some of the techniques used in Remedial and Relaxation massage are similar to those used in Shiatsu, the overall approach and intention of treatment are quite different.
While I often say Shiatsu just has to be experienced to know, here are some key differences:
1. Shiatsu is received lying down on a traditional Japanese futon on the floor, not on a table. This allows the Shiatsu therapist to apply pressure by offering body weight in a very centred, grounding way. The Shiatsu therapist may use fingers, thumbs, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure. There is a whole style of Shiatsu called Barefoot Shiatsu, where the therapist uses their feet for most of the treatment! The firm, broad pressure of feet feels amazing on tight musculature of the back and legs and is particularly well suited to athletes and people with a strong, muscular build.
2. Shiatsu doesn’t involve oil. You won’t end up all greasy and in need of a shower after your treatment. Instead, Shiatsu is received through clothing or through a sheet.
3. From a biomechanical perspective, Shiatsu techniques influence the fascia layer – the connective tissue that surrounds all the muscles, organs and structures in the body. Unlike muscles, fascia is not vascular so tends to get tight and dry and when this happens its acts like glad wrap and restricts the movement of muscles and joints. This can cause tightness, decreased range of movement and pain. Shiatsu techniques stretch and promote hydration and juiciness in the fascia to support proper physical function. Stretches and joint release techniques are also an important part of Shiatsu. Remedial massage techniques tend to penetrate more deeply into the muscle layers (‘deep tissue’ massage).
4. Shiatsu Therapy uses an Oriental Medicine framework for diagnosis and treatment. This framework looks at the anatomy of the body as an interconnected system of meridian pathways, which cover the surface of the body but also connect internally to the organs and influence their function. Meridians facilitate the flow of qi, or vital life force/energy, throughout the body and it’s believed that the free flow of qi is essential for healthy physical, mental and emotional function and wellbeing.
5. Shiatsu sees the body as an interconnected system so it’s always a whole body treatment. Attention will always be given to particular areas of pain or stiffness, but within the context of a whole body treatment. Remedial massage tends to focus on a particular region of the body where pain or stiffness is present.
6. Remedial massage is primarily used to diagnose and treat pain and dysfunction in the muscles and soft tissue. The scope of Shiatsu is wide, using the holistic approach of Oriental medicine to correct systemic imbalances, which may manifest physically, emotionally or mentally. Shiatsu has a deeply calming effect on the nervous system so many people also use it for relaxation and to assist with sleep problems, anxiety and stress management.
7. Shiatsu includes Acupressure point techniques, while Remedial Massage may include Trigger Point therapy. Both techniques involve the use of finger or thumb pressure on certain points on the body, but the location and pressure differs. Trigger Point therapy generally uses firm pressure on particular points of muscles to release locked up or tight muscles. Acupressure may be firm or quite light, on acupoints chosen for particular therapeutic function for example to calm the mind, strengthen digestion, clear heat, regulate qi flow or benefit the eyes.