Shiatsu therapy is a form of Japanese massage based in Oriental Medical Theory that literally translates into “finger pressure”. Depending on the complaint, a Shiatsu treatment will involve sustained holding pressure applied with the thumbs, palms, elbows and or knees as well as gentle stretches to increase circulation mobility. The shiatsu treatment is administered through loose, comfortable clothing and/or a draped sheet, and no oils are used during the session. Each shiatsu session is different from the other, depending on the symptoms and the clients need. Deep energetic shifts can occur during treatment, as well as for hours or days after the session.
Acupressure is a similar technique, developed in China that stimulates the meridian points, or acupuncture points with manual pressure rather than the use of a needle. Both shiatsu and acupressure utilize the meridian and point system that developed from Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the practise is traced back about 4000 years. Many say that these modalities pre-date acupuncture
What to Expect
Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that works on the musculoskeletal system, as well as the energetic meridian system of the body which stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Your shiatsu therapist must obtain consent to work on any part of your body, and you are required to let the therapist know if you feel uncomfortable at any point during the session. Shiatsu is performed through the clothing, so loose comfortable clothes are required. If you are receiving both shiatsu and acupuncture your therapist may require you to partially or fully disrobe using a draping technique with sheets or blankets to cover the body and in order to access certain points.
