Acupressure and Shiatsu

Acupressure and Shiatsu are two relatively similar forms of pressure massage that originate from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as well as Japanese medicine. Acupressure describes the Chinese form of pressure massage, Shiatsu the Japanese variant. Meanwhile the massage forms become ever more popular also in Germany. By applying pressure to the acupressure points located on the meridians, complaints such as headaches or nausea are supposed to be alleviated. From the perspective of conventional medicine, however, the effectiveness of acupressure and shiatsu is not proven.

Basic assumptions of acupressure and shiatsu.

Acupressure and shiatsu, like acupuncture, are based on the assumption that a person is only healthy when his or her life energy – qi – can flow undisturbed. For this to happen, the two energy concepts, yin and yang, must be in harmony. However, these can be disturbed by various factors – for example, an unhealthy diet, too little exercise, an illness or uncontrolled emotions. To bring the energy concepts back into harmony, this disturbance must be corrected. To do this, the corresponding points on the total of twelve meridians are massaged with pressure. The acupressure points are mostly the same as those used in acupuncture, but not all points are suitable for pressure treatment. In addition to needle pricks and pressure, the points can also be stimulated by heat (moxibustion).

Massage of the pressure points

In acupressure and shiatsu, pressure during massage is applied primarily with the fingertips and thumb tips. However, the palms and elbows may also be used. The masseur uses primarily his body weight and less his muscle strength to apply pressure during the massage. Depending on the desired effect, massage can be done in circles around the point in question, or strong pressure can be applied to it. Although this is supposed to be relaxing, it can sometimes be painful. With Shiatsu, in contrast to acupressure, not only individual points are stimulated, but are treated more comprehensively along the meridians.

Areas of application of acupressure and shiatsu

Acupressure and shiatsu are often used without the presence of physical ailments. In fact, they are mainly used to maintain health. In addition, they can also be used for certain functional disorders that are not accompanied by tangible changes in the body. These include, among others.

  • Digestive disorders
  • Circulatory problems
  • Joint and muscle problems
  • Stress-related sleep disorders
  • Diseases of the respiratory tract

Similarly, acupressure and shiatsu can help relieve pain. Especially often you are used for headaches or migraines. In addition, the two pressure massage techniques but also recommended for toothache, back pain, joint pain as well as nausea.

Side effects of acupressure and shiatsu

It is important to note that acupressure and shiatsu should only be used to treat functional disorders. On the other hand, if bones, muscles or organs are already damaged, the techniques usually do not work. In this case, there is even a risk of increasing the damage. Therefore, the massage techniques should not be applied to diseased or inflamed parts of the body. Pressure massage techniques are also not suitable for patients with severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, as the existing complaints may worsen for a short time after the massage. During pregnancy, points associated with the abdomen should not be massaged.

Self-treatment possible

Acupressure and shiatsu – unlike acupuncture – can be used in self-treatment. Even for the layman, there are no dangers from pressure on painful areas of muscles or tendons. However, pressure should not be applied to diseased or inflamed areas. The following is a brief overview of how to relieve common ailments such as headaches, fatigue and colds by applying pressure massage. Simply place a finger on the point in question and then press, tap or circle. When circling, keep in mind that circling clockwise dulls the function, while circling counterclockwise activates it.

  • For headaches: gently massage the pressure points on the right and left sides of the temple.By stimulating the pressure points throbbing headaches are alleviated.
  • For colds: to get the nose a little clearer when you have a cold, massage the bridge of your nose, the wings of the nose, as well as their lower edge. The massage should last about 30 seconds and can be repeated several times a day.
  • For fatigue: if you are tired, it helps to apply pressure to a point about the middle of the neck. Already a pressure of 15 seconds is enough to make you feel fresher. Similarly, it helps to stimulate the acupressure points to the right and left of the root of the nose with circular movements.