Massage Therapy in Japan: Chair & Ozakazi Long-Life

In this article, we will continue to explore the techniques of shiatsu , a popular form of Japanese massage therapy, as well as chair massage and Ozakazi Long-Life Massage.

Next, allow the movement of ki (energy) to take over. Let your fingers penetrate the point as you continue to gradually apply pressure. Encourage the flow of energy by applying and releasing pressure to open up the point. With your finger, make small circular movements to massage the point. Hold onto the point until you experience movement or a change underneath your touch. Usually, people will feel a softening of the point or warmth. This is normal.

While Shiatsu is a popular form of Japanese massage therapy, there are other techniques that one may consider. For many, massage becomes a spiritual experience that releases stress and tension in the body, as well as helps to relieve medical concerns, such as arthritis and depression. Below, you will encounter an assortment of massage techniques associated with the Japanese culture.

Chair Massage

Sitting comfortably, a specially designed massage chair is used to deliver a therapy technique that has survived throughout the centuries. There are Japanese block prints that depict people receiving a massage while seated on a short stool, right after departing a bath. The modern version of the chair massage was created by David Palmer, which can be referred to as seated massage or on-site massage.

Ozakazi Long-Life Massage

When looking for a massage technique that concentrates on the health of your body as a whole, Ozakazi Long-Life Massage is an approach to certainly consider. Offering a combination of many different techniques, this form of massage has been linked to martial arts.

Developed by Henry Okazaki, during the early part of the 20th century, many people simply refer to the technique as the Okazaki massage. It was Okazaki’s intention to create the technique as a way to instruct his students on how to establish an appropriate balance between a fighting spirit and healing spirit. He believed that both spirits were needed to effectively bring results.

The Okazaki massage incorporates techniques that include original Japanese massage, shiatsu, reflexology, herbology, acupressure, as well as western methods of massage. The point of the elbow once again plays an important role in this type of massage, which is where the majority of the work is completed. Often called the ‘elbow massage,’ a practitioner is able to reach deep into the tissue to encourage healing by enhancing circulation. Some of the benefits associated with Okazaki massage see the technique as an effective treatment for migraine headaches, tension, stress, physical injuries, and for excessive tiredness.

Continued in the article titled “Massage Therapy in Japan: Restoration Therapy.”