Homeopathy

Relieving The Pressure With Shiatsu

Using thumbs, fingers, palms or even feet, shiatsu massage uses pressure points to achieve deep relaxation. Bringing the body into balance, shiatsu will increase energy levels and regulate the flow of that energy.

Shiatsu massage began in ancient China around 530 B.C. Other countries later borrowed this practice, including Japan, Southeast Asia, and Korea. In the early 1970's, Shiatsu became popular in the U.S., Europe and Australia where licensed practitioners used it to treat simple muscle tension.

Usually performed on a padded floor mat, a shiatsu massage will last from 40 minutes to an hour. Starting with gently stretching of the skin to stimulate energy and relax muscles, the massage can range from very gentle to heavy pressure. This will depend upon the need of the client; however, it will never be painful. Including rubbing, kneading, percussion, and vibration, acupressure massages typically use a quick circular motion with a medium amount of pressure.

Modern shiatsu is used not only for relaxation but also other ailments such as the following:

Skin Issues

Stimulating capillaries in the skin and glands that keep skin moist and smooth, shiatsu can give the skin more resilience reducing wrinkling. The skin will glow and improve in looks because of increased blood circulation

Rheumatoid Arthritis/Muscle Pain

A chronic inflammation of the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can cause a great deal of pain in about one percent of the population. The acupressure used in shiatsu massage can alleviate this pain, especially in the hands and feet. Improving the health of muscles by increasing circulation of nutrition through blood flow, shiatsu also helps to keep the muscles limber and free of pain.

Migraines

Since migraines are caused by restricted blood flow to the brain and head, shiatsu can reduce the symptoms by increasing blood flow throughout the body. This will alleviate the pain, nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, vision problems, etc. that are usually associated with migraines.

Pregnancy

For thousands of years, shiatsu has been practiced on women with menstrual cramps and depression. Soothing labor pains, shiatsu is also beneficial to the pregnant woman. It has also been know to induce labor, turn babies in the womb, and ease morning sickness and swelling.

Circulation/Digestion

Since shiatsu improves circulation and cellular nutrition throughout the body, it benefits the digestive system by allowing the process to move more easily and eliminate waste more efficiently. By assisting fat metabolism, shiatsu massage can increase stamina by freeing up those energy reserves.

Books and videos are available for those who would like to learn the basics of shiatsu massage in the comfort of their own home. If looking for a practitioner, one should make sure the person has experience and makes you feel comfortable. A professional massage will last between 30-90 minutes and can cost between $20 and $80, depending on the experience of the practitioner.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Motion Sickness and Nausea

Raspberry leaf tea, used for morning sickness is also a good treatment for motion sickness. Ginger is another treatment for motion sickness. Munch it or buy Ginger capsules at the health food store.

Osteoporosis

Few people know that high protein diets leech calcium from bone. Reduce protein intake and try this broth:

Place leftover fish bones in a large pot. Add a few quarts of water. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add a couple handfuls of finely chopped Cabbage, Dandelion Greens, Stinging Nettle greens, Parsley, Pigweed and Purslane. Season to taste with salt, pepper and any other seasonings you prefer. Remove fish bones before serving as a vegetable/herb soup or as a stock for hearty bean soup.

Pain

Use clove oil for toothache, applied directly to the painful tooth.

Red Pepper contains capsaicin that stimulates the release of endorphins. Use in recipes. Willow bark contains salicin, the original aspirin. Start with a low dose tea. If you are allergic to aspirin, avoid this treatment.

Pneumonia

There is no substitute for your doctors recommendations, but you might enhance treatment with a tea comprised of Dandelion. Cook the greens and roots. And drink the juice that remains after the green are cooked. If fresh Dandelion is not available, use the dried herb.