subject: Shiatsu Massage Therapy - How to Make It Affordable [print this page] Shiatsu Massage Therapy - How to Make It Affordable
TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, is based on the body's meridian system. Shiatsu massage therapy helps to relieve blockages and restore the body's proper flow of chi. A more common term for Shiatsu massage therapy is acupressure, and it is very different from acupuncture.While massage practitioners develop their own unique style of massage therapy, most treatment is carried out by squeezing, rubbing, and tapping muscles along the body's meridian.A massage therapist interviews the patient and determines any pre-existing problems, but forms his or her own assessment of where blockages are that may be causing current ailments or that may lead to problems later. Shiatsu massage therapy is not a one-time treatment, because re-adjustments are necessary in ongoing treatment.There are many benefits that can be achieved by Shiatsu massage therapy. Some of the reasons people go to a massage therapist include:* Treatment of arthritis symptoms - Shiatsu massage can effectively relieve some of the discomfort and pain of arthritis. It is not intended to be a cure, but it does help sufferers cope. At least 1% of the world population has rheumatoid arthritis, and even though it is not life threatening, the chronic pain prevents many from enjoying life.A large amount of arthritis pain can be controlled or even stopped by massage therapy, especially in the legs and arms. Patients show significant relief of pain related to this health condition when they obtain regular massage therapy.* Treatment of muscle pains - Pain that is not even related to arthritis can still be reduced through the use of massage therapy. Massage therapy is often used on athletes, such as on a bruise where the blood has gathered, returning the blood flow to normal via massage.* Improving the appearance of the skin - Massage therapy revitalizes the sebaceous glands of the skin and improves skin tissue blood circulation. Regular massage makes the skin more resilient and keeps it smooth and moisturized.* Pain of pregnancy - A therapist knows how to gently massage away some of the discomforts of pregnancy and also relieve some of the morning sickness that comes in the early weeks of pregnancy. Shiatsu massage has been used as an inducement for labor in women who have passed their due date.Discounted Shiatsu Massage TherapyShiatsu massage therapy is not covered by most insurance plans because it is not considered "necessary" for the health of the individual. By obtaining a medical discount card, you can have access to more than 8,000 professionals providing alternative medicinal care. Services include more than just massage therapy, and typically none of them are covered under the majority of health coverage policies.A medical savings card is handy to have so that you and your family can obtain discounted massage therapy any time it is needed. With discounted rates, you can enjoy massage therapy much more often than you would otherwise, allowing you to reap the benefits of Shiatsu treatments.
