Ischemia means a lack of blood supply, with associated congestion and tissue irritation. Ischemic compression is a massage technique used in Shiatsu massage and when working with trigger points (more on that below). The purpose of ischemic compression is to deliberately increase the blockage of blood to an area so that, upon release, there will be a resurgence of blood. This washes away waste products, supplies necessary oxygen and nutrients and helps the affected tissue heal. This increase of blood flow to the area is called a hyperemia.
In skilled hands ischemic compression is one of the most effective massage techniques for alleviating muscle knots, trigger points and myofascial soreness.
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