Stomach is the center of the body where are concentrated a lot of important organs of our body. In Japan it is believed that a person’s abdomen reflects the person’s life, his/her health and strength. When the masseur gets in contact with this zone he obtains access to most important reserves of life energy.
Stomach is the energetic center, and while massaging this part of the body the masseur has to take care and do gently moves. The slow and gently pressure influences the relaxation of the stomach organs and the back, and the patient is falling into a deep and relaxing frame of mind which is important for starting
shiatsu therapy.
During the
hara massage, the area between the lower edges of the ribs and the upper edges of the pelvic bones is palpated and various techniques are used to release stagnation or increase vibrancy. Before starting the massage session is good to keep silence a few minutes, feel your deep breathing and concentration.
How to start a
shiatsu massage?
Start with putting your hand on the stomach of the patient. Keep it unmoved for a while, take a few deep breaths and start slowly pressing. The pressure must be very gentle because this is very sensitive zone. Remember that pressure is made by forwarding the masseur’s body weight towards the patients body and don’t use your muscular power. The movement towards the patient must be slow, as well as the pressure of the
energetic points of the body.
Hara – the ocean of energy
While
shiatsu therapy is very important to maintain an energetic connection with your patient, especially when massaging the stomach. Keep the hand on the stomach, try to feel the patients breathing and along with the breathing timing start doing circulating moves. These moves are stimulating the circulation of the energy which is getting in contact with upper and lower part and its energetic points. Stomach contains a big number of important energetic points and also is believed that stomach is the center of energy creation in the human body which is called Chi Kai – which means “the ocean of energy”. Through stimulation and creation of the energy inside the stomach the energy flows to the other life important organs of the whole body. Do gentle pressure firstly the right side of the stomach and than move to the left part. Remember that the weight of your body must flow into your hand which will result pressure on the body. Using muscle power while shiatsu massage will create tension instead of relaxation. Massaging the lower part of the stomach the masseur will be working with the meridian of large intestine. When finishing massaging the stomach put your hand in the center and do circulating move.
What to expect after a shiatsu stomach massage?
The
hara massage increases the blood flow in the abdominal region and the organs it contains (stomach, spleen, liver, gallbladder, large and small intestines); stimulates peristalsis, and increases the overall health of the client. Hara work is also a wonderful and pleasant way to restore the muscle tone and vibrancy of the area for women after childbirth.
Remember, all you have to do is press!
