How Does Shiatsu Work? A Bio-medical Explanation

1. Shiatsu relaxes tense muscles... by using pressure to cause "reporting stations"(Golgi Tendon Organs) in and around joints to relay messages to the brain telling the muscles to relax.

2. Shiatsu reduces pain and promotes peace... by stimulating secretion of endorphins (natural painkillers) which reduce pain, regulate the body's stress response, and determine our moods. Also, touch distracts from pain because there are more nerve pathways communicating touch to the brain than pain.

3. Shiatsu improves internal organ function... by Nerve Reflex Actions. Internal organs are linked to the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscles via the nervous system (nerves) and by means of nerve reflex actions disturbances in the function of internal organs can be felt on the surface of the body.

The reverse is also true: by stimulating points close to the spinal column that correspond to a particular spinal nerve, a reflex action is set up and the functioning of the organ fed by that nerve is enhanced!

4. Shiatsu promotes healthy function of your circulation, hormones, and internal organs by... synchronizing and balancing the functions of both divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System. These are vital functions that we have no conscious control over. The comforting, supportive touch given in Shiatsu promotes the funtions of the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in overall relaxation, calmness and a feeling of tranquility.

5. Shiatsu promotes detoxification and pain-relief by... working on trigger points (ashi points) to clear away toxins like lactic acid and also stimulates the lymph system to drain toxins from the cells, all of which help improve circulation and bring fresh oxygenated blood to the tissues.