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Heal Your Whole Self.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is the Japanese word for finger pressure. It is an Asian bodywork that is similar to Acupuncture, only fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, feet and knees are used instead of needles.
Shiatsu is applied over loose-fitting clothing and can be done on a table or on a mat on the floor. It is a profoundly relaxing experience, which leads to an increased feeling of vitality and health because it works to bring the body's energies back into balance.
Shiatsu is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). There are energetic pathways called meridians in which Qi (pronounced: chee) or energy flows. Most of the meridians are named after or correspond to an organ system.
By discovering the imbalances in your body through assessment, a Shiatsu therapist can help the body regulate itself to begin to heal and find balance. Your Shiatsu therapist is trained to pinpoint abnormalities in the skin, muscle or body heat and determine what treatment would serve you best. Optimal health is found in balance.
Sometimes we experience a trauma or injury, or we aren’t aware of our bodies and keeping up maintenance to facilitate its proper function, and this energy gets stuck. We feel this as pain or discomfort. There may be more going on with lower back pain than you think!
Shiatsu treats the body as a whole, supporting your healing and optimal health.
When can Shiatsu help?
Here are some of the imbalances that a Shiatsu treatment can address:
- High blood pressure
- Digestive disorders
- Respiratory conditions
- Dizziness
- Neck, shoulder and arm stiffness
- Whiplash
- Ringing in the ears
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Night sweats
- Constipation/diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Numbness in limbs
- Menstrual pain
- Body aches
What are the benefits of Shiatsu?
- Reduces stress and fatigue that accumulate in the body
- Relieves muscle stiffness and tension
- Increases the circulation of the body fluids (blood and lymph)
- Regulates the autonomic nervous system
- Stimulates the function of internal organs
- Reduces blood pressure
- Stimulates and regulates digestion
- Regulates hormonal secretion
- “Stirs up” connective tissue—makes a more fluid environment
- Stimulates skin
- Increases vitality, stamina and energy
- Boosts the immune system
- Helps to prevent illness and injury
- No side effects
- Suitable for people of all ages
- Treats the whole body, not just one area
What to expect
- The therapist will ask a series of questions about general health and well-being
- Your pulse is taken at six different points on the wrists that correspond to internal organs
- The therapist will look at your tongue, which also gives a picture of the internal organ systems.
- The therapist will formulate a treatment plan to your unique needs to bring your body's energies into a healthy balance
- A variety of kneading and pressure techniques can be used to address each person's unique needs as well as stretches and Range of Motion exercises
- After the session you may feel invigorated, yet deeply relaxed.
Shiatsu History
- Shiatsu itself comes from Japan. It’s less than 100 years old, however its roots are in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which is 5,000 years old.
- Temai Tenpaku coined the term Shiatsu. He had 3 students who branched off to create Tsubo Therapy, Zen Shiatsu, and Namikoshi Shiatsu.
- Shiatsu reached the United States in 1950, when Tokujiro Namikoshi treated Marilyn Monroe for one week when she was deathly ill in Japan at her hotel. He was also seen on a 1950’s TV show, sparking interest in Eastern Bodywork.
- Namikoshi says, "Shiatsu’s not really curing people, Shiatsu is helping people to cure themselves."