What Is Shiatsu Massage?

Panasonic massage chairs offer a Shiatsu function, which can be very beneficial for those looking to target back pain and muscle soreness, and to revitalize the body and mind. Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese massage technique meaning “finger pressure”, using localized pressure of the fingers and especially thumbs to unblock and facilitate the flow of chi, or the body’s energy. Releasing this energy can relieve stress and depression, remove toxins such as lactic acid from the muscles, and improve flexibility and range of motion.

Shiatsu practitioners believe that the body has fourteen meridians, or main channels that circulate chi. When those channels become blocked, pain, stiffness, and illness result from one part of the body being energy-deficient and the rest of the body trying to compensate. By manipulation of pressure points along those meridians, chi is released and balance is restored to prevent disease and engage the body’s natural healing abilities. Different pressure points correspond to different systems of the body, such as endocrine, musculoskeletal, nervous, circulatory, and digestive. Traditional shiatsu massage therapists use a variety of techniques, such as tapping, kneading, and stretching with the fingers, thumbs, knees, and elbows. Rubbing, as used in Swedish massage, is not part of the Shiatsu technique.

While massage has been used in the East for thousands of years, the Shiatsu technique was originated by Tokujiro Namikoshi in Japan in 1912 and has only reached the West in recent decades. Shiatsu has been so curative for millions of Americans and Europeans, however, that the technique has been adopted by massage practitioners almost everywhere.

The Real Pro Ultra massage chair combines the technology and luxury of a Panasonic massage chair with the lifelike feel, utter relaxation, and healing benefits of a Shiatsu massage. The Shiatsu function is designed to replicate a true massage as closely as possible, while features such as body scanning technology and adjustable intensity allow you to experience just the massage you want. The Shiatsu technique provides a seamless transition from in-person massage to chair massage because it is usually performed fully clothed, can be performed in a chair, and naturally varies in intensity according to the bodily chi of each individual. It should also be performed on a regular basis to prevent harmful buildup of chi. With a Panasonic massage chair, you can now experience the restorative effects of Shiatsu massage whenever you’d like in the comfort of your own home.