For 15
years I lived in the Pacific Northwest where alternative/complementary medicine
is used as commonly as conventional medicine.
Doctors there converse freely with acupuncturists, chiropractors,
shiatsu specialists, etc. and are happy to coordinate care with such
practitioners for the benefit of their patients. They often referred their patients to me as
part of their treatment plan. Insurance
companies on the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest cover the whole range of
alternative therapies from bodywork to naturopathy to acupuncture and
chiropractic. When I moved back East and
settled in the Mid-Atlantic, I was surprised to discover how rare it was to
find that type of cooperation and coordination here. I also found that a lot of people had never
even heard of shiatsu, let alone used it.
In the time since I move here eight years ago, many more people in this
town have heard about it but they still are not sure what shiatsu is and they
often ask me how it differs from massage.
I thought it might be helpful to shed a little light on that question. And, because people are often reluctant to
try something new and unknown, I’ve added a little guidance on how to choose a
bodyworker, regardless of the modality.
There
are many different types of massage and bodywork. Two of the most commonly practiced are
Swedish massage and Shiatsu. Massage is
done with oils or lotions directly on the skin.
The practitioner uses palms, fingers and forearms in a horizontal plane
along the main part of the muscles.
Massage is geared toward the skeletal muscles and the circulation of
blood back to the heart.
Shiatsu is an acupressure technique that
is often called “acupuncture without needles.”
The practitioner uses palms, fingers and thumbs in a vertical plane to
stimulate the life force (qi) throughout the entire body. Shiatsu is geared at targeting your area of
concern and harmonizing it with all your body’s functions and systems so that
the effect is integrated and lasts longer.
It concentrates at the level of the nervous system to rejuvenate and
enhance the:
- Mobility, strength and flexibility of your joints
- Circulation from your heart to all your cells, organs and muscles
- Proper operation of your central nervous system (brain, reflexes, etc.)
- Harmonious coordination of your organ functions
Typically:
- Your pain will decrease;
- Your joints will have better range of motion with less discomfort;
- You will recover faster from injury or surgery;
- Your stamina will increase;
- You will sleep better,
- You will digest better, and
- Enjoy more peace of mind.
Many of
the written descriptions of the various types of massage and bodywork sound so
similar that it is hard to tell the difference between them. How can
you know which kind of bodywork will be the best for you?
There
are several things to consider. One of
the most important is what result you are looking for. For instance, are you looking for relief from
your neck and shoulder tension? Do you
want to calm your mind and sleep better?
Is your back pain beginning to get in the way of everyday activities? Are you suffering from indigestion,
allergies, headaches, menstrual discomfort?
Most types of bodywork address the muscle tension that results in tight
neck and shoulders and/or back pain.
Depending on your individual response to treatment, you may favor
lighter or deeper pressure. Be sure to
let your practitioner know if you have a preference.
You will
also want to consider the training, skill, experience, and [most importantly]
the goals of the practitioner who will perform the treatment. Some practitioners are focused on the
physical complaints. Some are oriented
toward the subtle energy of the body.
Still others like to address any suppressed emotions that tend to get
jammed up in the various tissues (there should be additional training for this
orientation). There are practitioners
who feel more comfortable concentrating on science and technique, while others
prefer the art and flow, adjusting their technique according to intuition. Most bodyworkers will practice some
combination of art and science in various degrees and percentages. Pressure can vary from a very light touch to
medium to deep (or very deep) work, and a few practitioners have enough skill,
talent, experience and intuition to use the whole range appropriately for the
client’s needs and goals.
Referral
by a healthcare provider or friend is always a good way to find the right
person. Even then, don’t be afraid to
ask questions when you make your first contact, whether by phone or email. In addition to the areas mentioned above, you
might want to find out why most of their clients come to see them. This may give you an idea of what they are
used to treating in their practice. You
can also ask how much experience they have with your particular reason for
seeking them out. I know that if I were
the one looking for a practitioner, I would not rely on an email for the first
contact. I would want to speak with them
personally to get a sense of who they are.
I would want to feel confident about their professionalism and have the sense
that we would “get along,” so to speak.
I would want to feel that the person understands me when I convey my
needs and concerns. Feeling comfortable,
confident and compatible with your bodyworker can be the pivotal factor that
turns a “good massage” into a great one.
