Shiatsu Massage - A form of acupressure and literally means "finger pressure" in Japanese. It has been practiced for thousands of years in Japan . Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from four to twelve seconds on specific points along the body's meridians by using the fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. A session may also include gentle stretching and range-of-motions manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain and illness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health.
Swedish Massage - Refers to a collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pressure. Many believe it is safe to apply light pressure in the opposite direction. Oil or other lubricant such as baby powder reduces friction during the Swedish massage. Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, and a better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it.
Massage may not be capable of curing any serious or life-threatening medical disorders, but it can provide welcome relief from the symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, insomnia, and stress, as well as back pain, headache, muscle pain, and some forms of chronic pain. Some people find that it even relieves such digestive disorders as constipation.
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