What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of therapeutic bodywork rooted in a long lineage of history and healing methods. It is a combined treatment of acupressure, massage and stretching techniques based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
“Shiatsu” translates as “finger pressure” and was developed in Japan in the early 1900s as the integration of traditional Japanese manual therapies with modern western medical knowledge.
The main concept behind shiatsu therapy is that energy, or chi, circulates along channels or meridians in the body. Through some pressure along those meridians, the body relaxes; the flow of energy is stimulated and harmonized leading to enhanced health and contributing to overall wellbeing. An individual feels physically, emotionally and spiritually well, the body is balanced.
The treatment will usually consist of gentle but firm pressure using fingers, palms, elbows or knees, stretching and rotating the body to get energy in movement. The pressure comes from the body weight of the practitioner rather than the use of muscle strength to control the amount of pressure. The treatment is done on a futon on the floor with the client fully clothed.
Shiatsu is appropriate for all ages and body types (including seniors and children). Shiatsu is also a great complement during pregnancy. Shiatsu does not replace medical treatment when indicated for serious conditions.