About Shiatsu

The word Shiatsu means ‘finger pressure’, in Japanese.

In Shiatsu and Chinese Acupuncture, energy meridians run over the whole body and are channels for the body's energy, or Ki. The smooth flow of Ki is essential for both mental and physical health. Zen Shiatsu aims to strengthen and balance the meridians by the use of massage, stretching and hand pressure.

History of Shiatsu

Zen Shiatsu is the most common form of Shiatsu available today and was developed by Shizuto Masunaga, in the early 1970's. Before that, Shiatsu grew out of the traditional form of Japanese massage, called Amna, and incorporated Western anatomy and physiology. Despite the modern progression of the therapy, Shiatsu still owes much of the basis for its theory and practice to thousands of years of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Benefits of Shiatsu

Each Shiatsu treatment is individually tailored to the client's needs. Similarly, to Reiki, its holistic approach means that it is not confined to treating only physical issues and symptoms.

Common conditions that can be treated by Shiatsu are:

• Back pain
• Headaches, migraines
• Whiplash injuries and neck stiffness
• Joint pain and reduced mobility
• Menstrual problems
• Digestive problems
• Asthmatic symptoms
• Sports injuries
• Depression
• Stress

Preparing for a Treatment

We recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing for your treatment. Include socks and long-sleeves, if possible, as your body temperature may drop during the treatment, as you relax. Avoid jeans as they don't, generally, allow enough leg movement.

Please avoid eating heavily before the treatment. It can be harder to relax, if your stomach is working on digesting a large meal.