What is Shiatsu Massage?
Shiatsu massage is a Japanese form of bodywork that is based in Chinese Medicine and informed by Western Physiology and Psychology. “Shiatsu” means “finger pressure;” pressure is applied by fingers, palms, and sometimes elbows and knees.
Shiatsu massage uses the meridian system used by Traditional and Classical Chinese Medicine–think acupuncture and acupressure! Shiatsu works directly into and between the fascia of the body–the tissues connecting our muscles, bones, sinews, and internal organs. By applying pressure on those points and channels and stretching the body, tension stored in the body is released. Sessions are performed on a futon on the floor with the receiver fully clothed. Shiatsu can be as gentle or as deep as the receiver needs.
Shiatsu massage benefits the muscles and our structure like massage, it involves gentle passive stretching like yoga, and it benefits our internal systems like sleep, energy, and our emotions, like acupuncture. It can be as gentle or as deep as the receiver needs. Like acupuncture, regular Shiatsu massage treatment can help with the following conditions and more: