What Is A Shiatsu Massager?

Shiatsu massage is one of those things that many people have heard of yet people actually know what it is. The word "shiatsu" is Japanese and means finger pressure. Although it originated in Japan as a traditional hands on therapy, it quickly spread to become an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine.

The general principle behind Shiatsu massage is to apply pressure using only the palms and fingers, especially using the thumbs, to press on and "knead" points that have come to be seen as being related to the central and autonomic nervous systems. Obviously, this would require a masseuse in order to perform, and this article isn't about where or how to find a suitable masseuse. Of course, going to a masseuse can be a wonderful experience, and for anyone who can manage it, the benefits and sheer pleasure can't be overestimated.

However for most of us mere mortals, the practicality of engaging a qualified and competent traditional expert is generally out of reach. And that isn't even taking into account the cost, which might run as high as a hundred dollars per hour.

Fortunately, there are alternatives that aren't as costly or impractical, and are even accessible to just about all of us.

Manufacturers have managed to create products that can produce not just a reasonable fascimile, but actually a terrific alternative to the hands of an experienced masseuse. Equally wonderful is that we can have these devices in our homes or offices, available on demand, for as long as we like. Units are available that sit on top of your favorite chair, or can be purchased as a stand-alone massage chair in itself. And beyond the initial purchase price, the cost per session is a great big, fat zero!

The Homedics back massager uses custom-designed motors and very carefully designed "fingers" to produce a startlingly good deep massage. They are rugged, built to last, and relatively inexpensive to own. Models are available to fit nearly any chair or couch, including virtually any car seat, allowing you the incredible pleasure of being massaged while driving. Though somewhat in jest, it would be irresponsible not to mention that care should be taken if you have one of these, or are planning on putting one of these in your car, since the relaxation can be so enticing that it would not be terribly difficult to fall asleep. In fact, people often do find themselves falling asleep while using a back massager.

The Homedics Shiatsu massager goes a step further, mimicking the movements, pressure, and sensitivity of a traditionally-trained expert, providing one of the most relaxing, muscle-loosening, and thoroughly enjoyable experiences a person can have. This means that anyone can avail themselves of the incredible ancient art to feel invigorated, revitalized, and relaxed. If you haven't had the opportunity to experience it yet, you owe it to yourself to get your hands on a back massager, even if it isn't a Shiatsu, and learn first-hand just how good it can feel and how much stress can be removed!