Some have said that pressure points are like magic buttons that can either help or even take away health problems. I don't think this a magic cure but if used regularly I believe it can help to rebalance the body's energy and thereby make the health problems less frequent and less intense.

Some pressure points can give instant relief for such things as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, tension related illness, and even back pain. There is also a danger here as you must understand where the particular pressure points are and how much pressure to apply.

Proper use of these pressure points can help improve posture, assist with eating habits and provide good sleep as a result of a relaxed state of mind.

An art of healing which uses pressure points is Shiatsu, which originated in Japan. Shiatsu uses the power of touch and pressure to allow a person to use their own energy for self-healing.

A Shiatsu practitioner uses pressure with his/her thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet to give deep relaxation and a feeling of well being. A Shiatsu session will leave you feeling deeply relaxed and invigorated with a sense of being in touch with every part of your body.

Shiatsu actually originated from traditional oriental massage and it works on the bodys energy system using the network of meridians or as some say energy pathways, which relate to the different parts of the body.

We should all be familiar with the healing power of touch as when you were a child your mother would always say that a kiss or a rub from mommy would make it better. So in essence we have all felt the power of touch from an early age. It would be great if we could give each other hugs whenever one needs it but, unfortunately society taken this away from us and we cannot ask for physical contact unless there is an extreme or traumatic situation.

All forms of massage can fulfil our need for touch but Shiatsu is very practical as the receiver can remain clothed during a session. Some people are very inhibited and find it difficult and uncomfortable to take their clothes off and therefore, dont bother with a massage. This means that there a lot of people missing out on the benefits of touch.

Anyone can learn enough about Shiatsu to ease every day aches and pains for family and friends. Shiatsu like massage is used more as a preventative measure and assists in keeping the body healthy and in balance.

A number of conditions, which Shaitsu can help, include headaches, back pain, muscular stiffness, some forms of arthritis and rheumatic pains. It has also been known to assist in the treatment digestive, circulatory, respiratory and reproductive problems. Furthermore, because it provides deep relaxation it can also help in the treatment of tension, depression and anxiety.

Massage and Shiatsu can work hand in hand as the warm touch of another person can encourage the body to let go and relax. Healing by touch has been well documented in history as it has the ability to bring relief without the use of medical science. The power of touch used with some knowledge has the ability to enhance peoples lives in a positive way. Every one of us can make a difference by gaining some knowledge and perhaps we can also influence society for the better.