What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is Japanese acupressure massage that is effective for pain relief, deep relaxation, and for promoting Optimal Health.

"Shiatsu technique refers to the use of fingers and palm of one's hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health. It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses."

—Japanese medical department of the Ministry Welfare (current Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare) in December 1957

Shiatsu means "finger pressure" in Japanese. Shiatsu is the therapeutic bodywork of choice in Japan and has spread across the globe as an effective therapeutic bodywork modality for maintaining and promoting health. The Shiatsu practitioner works primarily with the body's qi/vital energies to bring harmony and relief from pain.

What does it do?

Shiatsu works with Tsubos, or pressure points, along the energy meridians of the body.  These are the same points that are needled during an acupuncture treatment.

These pressure points are like little pots where the body's vital qi ("chee") accumulates. Qi can become blocked or stagnate and by working these pressure points the qi can return to its natural harmonious flow. Through kneading and pressure with thumbs, palms, fists, elbows, knees and feet, the shiatsu practitioner helps to relieve excess, tonify deficiency and remove blockages that cause aches and pains and illness in the body.

The benefits from Shiatsu can be felt immediately. From migraine headaches to rotator cuff injuries, shiatsu is an effective therapeutic bodywork. Over time, with regularly scheduled treatments, Shiatsu gets to the root causes and helps to shift the patterns that give rise to disease and pain in the body.

Shiatsu is also a great self-help modality where clients learn specific pressure points that they can use in their daily lives to improve their overall energy levels and vitality.

Shiatsu is deeply relaxing, energizing and feels great. Clients have described Shiatsu as acupuncture without the needles. Shiatsu is a great addition to your personal health maintenance plan.

Who is it for?

Shiatsu is always effective for people of all ages.

From infants to the elderly, everyone benefits from the balancing techniques and harmonizing effects of Shiatsu.

Here are some conditions improved by Shiatsu:

Repetitive stress injuries
Rotator Cuff injuries
Low back pain and sciatica
Immune system boosting (cancer recovery/colds)
Headaches (migraine)
Hormonal imbalances (PMS)
Fybromyalgia
Digestive disorders (IBS)
Auto immune disease (CFIDS/AIDS)
Allergies and asthma
Anxiety and grief
Recovery from illness
Post-surgical recovery
Endocrine disorders (diabetes/hyper-hypothyroidism)
Pregnancy (pre-natal/post-natal)
Depression
Physical injury