When it comes to relaxation and rejuvenation, there is nothing quite like a massage. The captivating spell of massage has the power to transport us to a state of bliss and leave us feeling refreshed and revitalized. From the moment we lie down on the massage table, anxieties and tensions begin to melt away as the skilled hands of a masseuse work their magic. Massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years and is rooted in various ancient cultures. Its benefits are well documented and are not limited to just physical relaxation. A good massage can also have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
A good massage can also have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. One of the main reasons why massages are so captivating is the power of touch. Human touch is a basic human need, and when it is delivered with care and skill, it has the ability to heal and comfort.
History of Shiatsu | Acupuncture and Massage College | Miami, FL
Shiatsu is a core modality taught at our massage school. In the classroom, we mainly focus on teaching the application of the techniques of shiatsu. However, we think that this modality is so fascinating that it deserves its own blog series.
In an earlier post, we gave an overview of Shiatsu massage. In this post, we will discuss the history of Shiatsu massage.
Shiatsu was invented by Tokujiro Namikoshi during the 1920s. However, its history goes back to the roots of massage in Japan. Shiatsu was derived from a historical Japanese massage modality known as Anma. Anma was derived from a traditional Chinese massage modality known as Tui Na.
As such, it seems appropriate to claim that the history of Shiatsu begins with the introduction of Tuina in Japan.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tuina
Tui Na, sometimes spelled tunia, (推拿), which means “to push and to lift and squeeze,” is a form of Chinese massage that is practiced by applying rhythmic pressure across the body using the hands and fingers. Its techniques include manual rolling, rubbing, kneading, and pressing.
Tui Na was first introduced in Japan around 700 AD. It eventually became the form of massage practiced in government-sponsored hospitals and would be the dominant form of massage in Japan.
From Tuina to Amna
Over time, Tuina was modified by its Japanese practitioners. During the 1300s, Amna, a Japanese derivation of Tuina had been established as its own modality by Akashi Kan Ichi, a physician and massage therapist.
However, Amna really took off during the 1600s after it was popularized by Sugiyama Waichi, a famous physician and acupuncturist of the time. It is important to note that Sugiyama Waichi was blind, which had an effect on the culture of the massage profession.
Over the next several hundred years, massage would be largely practiced by blind practitioners. In fact, at various times, the Japanese government even protected massage by limiting the profession to the blind, since it was one of the few ways they could earn income.
Amna was eventually regulated by the Japanese government, and required a state-license to practice.
Amna to Shiatsu
Just as Tuina was refined to become Amna, Amna was refined and influenced the massage techniques and eventually became Shiatsu.
The term Shiatsu, which means finger pressure, has been around since the turn of the 20th century. The word was first published in a massage manual by Tenpeki Tamai in 1900, and like the Shiatsu we're familiar with, it also described finger pressure massage techniques. However, this shiatsu was different than the modality we are familiar with today.
Tenpeki Tamai's Shiatsu
Shiatsu is Developed
In 1912, a gifted seven-year old boy by the name of Tokujiro Namikoshi healed his mother's rheumatism using massage techniques that he had developed on his own. Over the next few years, he continued to practice this form of massage, until eventually being arrested for practicing massage without a license.
At the suggestion of his brother, Namikoshi sought formal training in Amna and earned his license in 1925. Overtime, he gradually refined his original massage techniques and combined it with techniques from Amna to create modern-Shiatsu. Before long, Namikoshi opened a massage clinic in his home town of Hokkaido, Japan.
Unlike Amna, which utilized elbows, knees, and fists, Namikoshi’s massage style only utilized finger-pressure. As such, he named his style Shiatsu, which literally means finger-pressure, although the term had been used previously to describe different massage techniques.
You're probably wondering how Shiatsu spread from a single-individual in a small town in Japan to virtually everywhere in the world. In the next blog, we'll cover how Namikoshi and others helped spread Shiatsu from across the world!
The expert hands of a masseuse are able to locate areas of tension and release them with gentle pressure, helping to improve blood circulation and promote muscular relaxation. The sensory experience of a massage is also incredibly captivating. From the soft lighting and tranquil music to the soothing scents of essential oils, every aspect of the massage environment is carefully curated to create a sense of tranquility and relaxation. As we lie on the table, we can feel ourselves being transported to a different world where the stresses of everyday life seem to melt away. Perhaps the most captivating aspect of a massage is the sense of being cared for and nurtured. In today's fast-paced and often impersonal world, it is rare to find a moment of pure self-indulgence where the focus is solely on our own well-being. During a massage, we are able to surrender ourselves to the skilled hands of a professional and let go of our worries and responsibilities, if only for a little while. In conclusion, the captivating spell of massage lies in its ability to transport us to a state of bliss and relaxation. Through the power of touch, sensory stimulation, and the feeling of being cared for, a massage has the ability to rejuvenate our bodies and minds. So the next time you find yourself in need of some much-needed relaxation, consider booking a massage and experience the captivating spell for yourself..
Reviews for "The Captivating Spell of Massage: A Pathway to Self-Discovery and Inner Peace"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Captivating Spell of Massage. The masseuse had improper technique and it felt like she was just going through the motions. I didn't feel any relief or relaxation at all. Plus, the environment was not very soothing, there was hustle and bustle of other people in the spa and it was hard to truly unwind. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this place for a massage.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I had a terrible experience at Captivating Spell of Massage. The therapist seemed untrained and didn't have a good understanding of pressure points. It was like she was randomly prodding at my body without any sense of technique. I left feeling sore and unsatisfied. The ambiance was also lacking, there was loud music playing and I could hear people talking outside the room. It was really disappointing and not worth the money.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I visited Captivating Spell of Massage and was not impressed at all. The massage itself was mediocre, with no real attention to detail or focus on problem areas. It felt like a generic massage that I could have received anywhere. The experience was also marred by a lack of atmosphere. The room was cold and sterile, and the therapist didn't create a relaxing environment. I left feeling underwhelmed and will not be returning.
4. Michael - 2 stars - The Captivating Spell of Massage was quite underwhelming for me. The therapist seemed inexperienced and lacked proper technique. The massage felt rushed and I didn't feel any significant release of tension. Moreover, the facilities were not up to par. The room was too bright and I could hear noise from outside the treatment room. Overall, I was not captivated by the service and wouldn't recommend this place to others.