Shiatsu Therapy

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a powerful yet gentle Japanese healing art that involves applying pressure and stretches to specific points on the body to promote physical and emotional well-being. Although shiatsu literally means "finger pressure," a shiatsu practitioner may use fingers, palms, thumbs, knees, elbows, and even feet to apply pressure to the body's energy points.

Like most natural therapies, Shiatsu is based on the assumption that the body is a self-healing organism. It is founded on the philosophy that energy flows through the body along 12 energy pathways known as meridians. This energy, referred to as Qi, Chi, or Ki (pronounced as ‘chee’), controls the movement of blood.

The proper movement of Qi and blood through the body creates harmony in the human being. However, when Qi becomes blocked, stagnant, suppressed, or has its flow reversed, the body becomes out of balance and experiences discomfort, such as irritability, fatigue, and brain fog. It is important to restore the body to its natural, healthy state.

A shiatsu therapist aims to restore the flow of energy and re-establish the balance of energy flow, thereby improving the patient's health. By applying pressure to certain energy points, Shiatsu can serve as a preventative therapy, addressing the underlying roots as well as the symptoms of various diseases.

How is Shiatsu different from other massage techniques?

There are five main differences to note compared to other techniques, such as percussion massage and hot stone massage:

• You keep your clothes on during treatment, unlike other massage styles where you may have to remove your clothes.

Tip: Remember to wear loose, comfortable clothes for your shiatsu massage therapy session.

• Treatment is usually performed on a futon mat on the floor, as opposed to a table. This is to help the therapist apply pressure and manipulate your body more easily.

• No oils are used, unlike in Swedish massage, for example, where you may inhale aromas, and they are absorbed into your skin.

• You'll come out feeling energised and rejuvenated, as opposed to relaxed and sleepy.

• Treatment is tailored to the needs of your body and may differ for every visit. The treatment style may also be customised for different body types, ages, mobility, and preferences for gentle or firm pressure.

The closest form of treatment to shiatsu is acupuncture as it draws on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and uses meridians and pressure points. However, unlike acupuncture, there are no needles used in shiatsu.

The benefits of Shiatsu Therapy

The benefits of Shiatsu are wide-ranging, and include:

• Improvement in nervous, lymphatic, hormonal and circulatory systems

• Increased endorphins

• Restored energy levels

• Reduced levels of stress

• Alleviated anxiety and depression

• Improved digestive functioning

• Increased range of motion and flexibility in the body

• Enhanced immune system

Which conditions does Shiatsu treat?

Shiatsu is used to treat a range of ailments, including the following:

• Headaches or migraines

• Menstrual pain

• Digestive issues

• Insomnia

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Stress or anxiety

• Chronic pain (such as lower back, neck and joint)

• Arthritis management

• Strains, sprains and sports injuries

What to expect during a session with your shiatsu therapist?

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave your jewellery at home.

The treatment session begins with a brief consultation and assessment to formulate a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. During the consultation, your therapist may review your medical history and assess your main complaints of discomfort, as well as examine your tongue, pulse, diet, and quality of sleep.

Once the assessment has taken place, your therapist will begin the actual bodywork. Depending on the treatment and with your consent, your treatment may be supported by other Oriental therapies such as barefoot, sotai, foot reflexology, tuina, cupping, guasha, or moxibustion.

At the end of your treatment, your therapist may provide advice or suggest some post-treatment homework that can prolong the benefits of the treatment received.