Shiatsu Essentials - health solutions for today.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu was developed in Japan from a blend of Chinese massage and Western techniques of physical manipulation. As a complete system of healing through touch, it draws extensively on Oriental Diagnosis. As well as treating symptoms Shiatsu seeks the underlying cause of disease or discomfort, concentrating on the level or flow of energy, or Qi.

Although the word 'shiatsu' literally means 'finger pressure', the therapy involves applying pressure with fingers, palms, elbows and sometimes feet, along energy channels or meridians. Energy flows along these meridians, connecting to major organs and creating a network of relationships between the body systems. When the energy is excessive, deficient or impeded in some way, discomfort or disease may result.

Oriental medical theory describes health as a dynamic balance of body, mind and spirit. Each part is inseparable from the functioning of the whole. A Shiatsu therapist treats the entire body, as well as addressing any problems at the emotional and spiritual levels. It is a non-invasive, non-threatening form of treatment that is suitable for people of all ages.

An experienced practitioner will often combine the treatment with recommendations about diet, exercise and stress management.