“Shi” means finger and “atsu” means pressure. Shiatsu massage uses quite a number of ways of working, including patting, pinching, shaking, stretching and pressing. It can help to heal soft tissue injuries, such as strains and sprains. It has been shown to be beneficial for the circulation and the movement of lymphatic fluid. This in…
Acupressure massage helps to relieve tense muscles. This leads to improved circulation of the blood which, in turn, leads to more efficient removal of toxins, leaving the nervous system more at peace. This type of massage leads to a greater feeling of calmness as tension is released. The effects on the body can profound. Acupressure…
Shiatsu and acupressure massage both use pressure applied via the fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows and knees. They both aim to influence the flow of chi through the meridian system. Shiatsu had its origins in Japan. Both are commonly used, but it is more common to find Shiatsu practitioners in this country.
The Oriental view of health looks at the physical, emotional and spiritual. If the yin and yang are correctly balanced, the individual’s health is good, but an imbalance leads to signs of disease. When the flow of chi is not correct in can lead to discomfort and disease. Health is viewed more broadly – including…
In Oriental medicine illness is viewed differently than it is from Western medicine. Disease are not named, but the of nature of an imbalance is identified. The aim is to restore balance and, with it, good health. The basis of Chinese medicine is the meridian system, through which chi – a type of energy –…
In one study (conducted on University of Miami students) it was found that regular massage from one month decreased stress and., increased brain activity. Students were able to finish mathematics questions in half the time they were able to previously and with less mistakes.
Massage affects all systems of the body – lymphatic, nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and endocrine. It can increase the oxygen capacity of blood, relax muscles, make the body’s excretions and secretions more efficient, enhance internal organs and improve skin condition. Massage can be beneficial in many ways. It can leave you feeling more relaxed and…
Illiacus – this muscle is found in the hip. It helps to lift the thigh and rotate it inwards.
Psoas minor – this muscle is smaller than the psoas major and lies behind the psoas major. It assists in bending the lower back.
Psoas major – muscle which goes from lower back to hip. It helps to bend at the hip.
Rectus abdominus – also known as “abs”, these muscles run vertically along the full length of the abdomen. They support the large internal organs of the abdomen and help to bend forward, bringing the chest towards the knees.
Transverse abdominis – deepest muscle of the abdomen. It supports the large internal organs of the abdomen and helps to bend the spine.
Internal Oblique – this muscle is situated in the waist, beneath the external oblique. It acts to bend forward at the waist, bend sideways at the waist, and to rotate the body at the waist. It also assists in breathing.
External Oblique – this muscle in situated in the waist. It acts to bend forward at the waist and to rotate the body at the waist.
Pectoralis Minor – positioned below pectoralis major. It stabilises the shoulder blade and raises ribs when inhaling.
Pectoralis Major – large muscle in chest. Amongst its functions are to raise arm up, bring arm across the chest, and rotate arm.
Deltoid – this muscle goes over the top of the shoulder. The front of it lifts the arm forward, the middle lifts the arm sideways, and the back lifts backwards.
Trapezius – this is a kite shaped muscle in the upper back. It moves, rotates and stabilises the shoulder blade.