By Marci Nielsen


Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage using finger and palm pressure along the meridians of the body. The English translation is finger pressure. This type of massage originated in Japan but was adapted by the Chinese. Its popularity is on the rise everywhere. Shiatsu Palo Alto has several locations and therapists that practice this gentle form of massage.

There are twelve meridians in the body and each meridian is linked to a particular body organ. Of the linked organs, six are yin and six are yang. The heart meridian is yin and its corresponding organ is the colon or small intestine, which is yang. A state of wellness is all about balance. From time to time the body or parts of the body become imbalanced. It is believed that imbalance will weaken the immune system and therefore the body will be more prone to illness.

Working with the meridians is a healing therapy, and the Qi, called chi in English is the life energy of the body. When the body is in balance your chi, pronounced chee, will be positive. With this balance you will have a sense of wellness.

Working on the meridians increases the blood flow and opens up your chi, your energy. If a person has a lack of energy there may be some blockage of chi in a part of the body which will be associated with one or more of the meridians. When the therapist works on these areas it opens up the blood flow and relieves the blockage.

Shiatsu can help many aches and pains whether they are affecting a specific part of the body or they are general in nature. You may have a general sense of depression or a sharp pain in your left shoulder. Many of the common complaints, such as tennis elbow and headaches, can find some relief with this massage therapy.

The city of Palo Alto in Northern California is the economic center of silicon valley and home to many of the significant businesses in the high tech industry. The residents of Palo Alto are some of the most educated and highly paid people in the nation. This type of population tends to have a combination of increased self awareness and disposable income to seek out avenues of healing that might not be available to those with lesser incomes.

As for credentials, to practice as a licensed massage therapist, LMT, in California, practitioners must first complete the academic course work, study applied massage on the body and take business ethics courses. Upon completion of the course work, they must pass the certification exam to obtain their license. Palo Alto is a hub of LMTs and has high standards for their therapists.

Clients who are scheduled to have their first massage may be surprised to discover that they will be clothed during the session. They are advised to keep the clothing comfortable and loose. Especially for your first massage, be sure to be open with the therapist about what is going on with your body. This will help guide him or her to which meridians need attention. If you have regular massages by the same therapist, he or she will get in touch with your body, but for the first meeting openness is essential. Palo Alto is home to many qualified therapists. It should be relatively simple to find one to help you on your path to wellness.




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