If you’re interested in acupuncture therapy but feel squeamish about needles, acupressure massage is a great alternative. Shen Tao massage is a gentle form of acupressure great for newbies.

If you’re about to start googling “what is Shen Tao massage” and “Shen Tao massage benefits” – don’t!

We’ve got you covered.

Shen Tao is an ancient form of acupressure massage that relieves tension. It follows traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory that the human body contains various invisible energy meridians. These transport Qi energy – or the life force – throughout the body. Shen Tao gently stimulates specific points on the energy meridians – known as acupoints – to promote emotional and physical healing.

Let’s explore 8 things you probably didn’t know about Shen Tao massage.

1. Shen Tao acupressure was around before acupuncture

Shen Tao comes from traditional Chinese medicine, an ancient Eastern healing system that’s been in use for more than 5000 years.

Shen Tao is sometimes called the mother of acupuncture. The basic practice of stimulating acupuncture points was developed long before needles existed. However, acupuncture is more well-known nowadays.

2. Shen Tao massage is gentle and energy-based

The meaning of Shen Tao is ‘The Way of Spirit’.

This translation brings to light its gentle, spiritual nature. And it is gentle compared to other forms of acupressure. It also incorporates energy work.

Therapists use both hands to softly hold two acupoints at a time, forming a circuit between your Qi system and theirs. This is sometimes known as the “dance of Qi” and fine-tunes your energy system.

3. Shen Tao incorporates the main energy chakras of the body

Shen Tao is a blend of acupressure massage and energy work. The subtle, gentle finger pressure used along the energy meridians during Shen Tao massage is believed to activate the energy centres – known as chakras.

Whether you believe this or not, these are the main energy chakras according to TCM:

• The Crown Chakra
• The Third Eye Chakra
• The Throat Chakra
• The Heart Chakra
• The Solar Plexus Chakra
• The Sacral Chakra
• The Root Chakra

4. Shen Tao is based on Taoism

Shen Tao has roots in a religious philosophy called Taoism, which comes from China. It teaches that the universe contains a balance of two opposing energies: yin and yang. Taoists believe in living simply and in harmony with all living beings.

5. Shen Tao practitioners use ancient methods of diagnosis

Before the treatment, the therapist may use traditional methods of diagnosis from TCM. These methods include feeling your pulse and looking at your tongue to sense energy blockages and imbalances in your yin and yang energy system. It helps to guide the treatment.

6. Shen Tao helps you enter a healing state

Shen Tao massage is deeply soothing. It stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the relaxation response you need to be in for mental, emotional, and physical healing.

Anecdotal evidence suggests Shen Tao can benefit symptoms and conditions, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Fatigue
• Poor immunity
• Allergies
• Constipation
• Digestive symptoms
• Chronic stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Hormonal imbalances

However, it’s not intended to replace conventional medical care.

7. You remain clothed during a session

You keep your clothes on during a Shen Tao massage, which typically lasts 45-60 minutes.

8. Shen Tao is a form of preventative medicine

Regular Shen Tao acupressure massage is a preventative healthcare therapy. If you live a stressful lifestyle or are going through a difficult situation, visiting a Shen Tao therapist may reduce the risk of burnout and other stress-related health problems. Prevention is better – and cheaper – than cure.