Hey man, watch your back

TYLER HAYWARD / SENIOR PHOTO EDITOR

SHEC Media

For many, the word shiatsu conjures up images of a beefy masseur hacking and pounding knots out of work-wearied backs, ninja-like hiyas piercing the air as tense muscles are forced into submission.

But in reality, shiatsu is a gentle method of massage that uses simple stretches and light pressure to help bring the body into a state of internal harmony. Shiatsu is an Oriental technique that takes a holistic approach to the body, making use of internal energy flow (ki) to get beyond the ‘half-health’ of preventive medicine and achieve total and complete wellbeing.

The language and concepts used by the shiatsu masseuse can be difficult to understand or accept. You may have heard of ki or chi, the flow of energy between the yin and yang aspects of existence. Ki has five different qualities, each analogous to one of the five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. A skilled practitioner is said to be able to diagnose a problem simply by looking at changes in the patient’s behaviour, skin tones, vocal inflections and emotions, using the elements of ki to address the appropriate organ group. Thus, a problem that would normally be diagnosed as arthritis might be attributed instead to the stomach or spleen, and treatment would focus on alternative medicine rather than modern Western medical techniques.

Most people probably don’t think about balancing internal energy flow or ensuring that meridians are unblocked, and the idea that organs are analogous to elements and can be treated by re-establishing energy flow seems bizarre. But if all this seems strange to you, there is at least one thing that shiatsu has completely right: your physical health is affected by your mental and emotional wellbeing.

Massage is a great way to get in touch with your body. You can learn a lot about what stresses you out and where you need to focus your daily workouts by finding those areas where the muscles are tight or where muscle groups are weak and figuring out why they are so.  Whether it’s the long hours you spend at the computer or all the lifting you did helping your friend move, your muscles can give you valuable information on which parts of your body need help the most. For many, it’s the upper back and neck, which may be why shoulder massages are so popular.

One of the key elements of a fantastic massage is an emotional connection between the masseuse and the patient. Of course, a professional massage might lack this factor but can still be quite satisfying. Still, there is much more to a massage than simply kneading out the kinks and knots.

Studies have shown that physical touch is essential in development, and babies who aren’t held often have a higher tendency to develop social disorders. Babies tend to develop faster and become stronger with regular massage; touch is an important part of personal growth and sexual exploration in young adults; and those in their later years can enjoy greater flexibility, stronger muscles and healthier skin through regular physical contact.

An important thing to remember in giving or receiving a massage is that your environment affects the quality and effectiveness of the massage.

A soothing atmosphere, perhaps with warm towels, cushions, pillows and scented oils, is essential for putting your mind at ease and helping you focus on the therapeutic elements of the massage. While it may be beneficial to limit communication, listening to the other person will allow you to focus on areas that need special attention and learn about their body’s needs. To achieve this you should be comfortable, attuned to your own body and emotions, and focussed on delivering soulful and devoted care.

In the midst of midterms and with final exams looming, take some time to focus on your physical and emotional health. Grab a partner, turn on some soothing music, buy a bottle of massage oil (available at many novelty shops and health stores) and relax!