Shiatsu, literally finger pressure, is Japanese acupressure. Pressure points, called tsubos, are applied along invisible energy channels of the body called meridians, six yin and six yang, which represent the polarities. The objective of Shiatsu is to bring the polarities in harmony, or to maintain their harmony. This is effectively the task of all therapy. Although thumb and palm pressure is the chief means of administering traditional Shiatsu, there are yet others. The elbows are ideal for treating energetic imbalances at a deeper level in the shoulder, interscapular and gluteal areas. This treatment is highly effective when followed by Swedish techniques in those areas. The knees may be used to massage deeply into the gluteal muscles, and the feet to apply firm and even pressure into the hamstrings, calves and feet.
Swedish is a circulatory massage. This means that it helps both blood and lymph flow in a centripetal direction, toward the heart. It is very effective in assisting the body to rid itself of toxins, like lactic acid, and in improving digestion. It also helps one to enter into a deep resting state of healing and relaxation, whose effect is similar to a power nap. Besides effleurage, centripetal hand movements, Swedish uses petrissage to knead the triceps and biceps of the arm, the hamstrings and calves of the leg, and the gluteal muscles. For deeper treatment, elbows may used on the shoulders and in the interscapular area, preferably after a Shiatsu treatment. In addition to the hands, Swedish uses the fists twisting outward on the shoulder, interscapular and gluteal areas.
Thai beautifully complements a Shiatsu-Swedish massage treatment. I concentrate on its lulling rocking movements, its caressing techniques and its incredible stretches. The stretches of Thai massage are not only beneficial, they can be elaborate and artistic. They increase blood flow to the areas being stretched and thus increase flexibility.
The oils I use for Swedish massage are of the highest quality. They contain safflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba seed oil, aloe vera extract, soybean oil, peach kernel oil, apricot kernel oil, green tea leaf extract and vitamins E and A.
Swedish is a circulatory massage. This means that it helps both blood and lymph flow in a centripetal direction, toward the heart. It is very effective in assisting the body to rid itself of toxins, like lactic acid, and in improving digestion. It also helps one to enter into a deep resting state of healing and relaxation, whose effect is similar to a power nap. Besides effleurage, centripetal hand movements, Swedish uses petrissage to knead the triceps and biceps of the arm, the hamstrings and calves of the leg, and the gluteal muscles. For deeper treatment, elbows may used on the shoulders and in the interscapular area, preferably after a Shiatsu treatment. In addition to the hands, Swedish uses the fists twisting outward on the shoulder, interscapular and gluteal areas.
Thai beautifully complements a Shiatsu-Swedish massage treatment. I concentrate on its lulling rocking movements, its caressing techniques and its incredible stretches. The stretches of Thai massage are not only beneficial, they can be elaborate and artistic. They increase blood flow to the areas being stretched and thus increase flexibility.
The oils I use for Swedish massage are of the highest quality. They contain safflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba seed oil, aloe vera extract, soybean oil, peach kernel oil, apricot kernel oil, green tea leaf extract and vitamins E and A.