Shiatsu

In Japanese Shiatsu roughly translates to "finger pressure" and, as a consequence, this technique results in a massage therapy that combines, applying a force with the fingers and associating this action with pressure points found across the body. In Japan Shiatsu is considered to be a healing art.

In some ways Shiatsu can be described as similar to acupuncture, however, without the need to use needles. It does however take account of the body’s energy flow (ki) and the meridians or pathways that relate to the physical organs of the body (like acupuncture).

There are a number of different styles of Shiatsu and one of the big differences is between those that use a western approach to understanding anatomy and those that use the oriental alternative.

How the massage is applied

Shiatsu massage is applied by using different types of "touch" that see finger pressure combined with a stretching and rotating motion. This produces a unique form of massage, but one that some people may occasionally find hard or rough to the feel.

Shiatsu is very much a holistic therapy and one that has associations with the body’s energy (ki), however it is more commonly used for relaxation or to address a number of different ailments. Examples could be, an aching or painful back, headaches caused by stress or tension, sporting injuries and general mobility issues.

Treatment and finding a therapist

The first stage of receiving Shiatsu therapy is to obtain a diagnosis of the problem. This diagnosis will not take a western anatomical view, but rather look for some imbalance in the body’s energy, e.g. a water energy imbalance.

Determining this diagnosis may include answering some questions, a physical examination and making reference to the abdominal region of the body which is known as the Hara.

The treatment itself is a holistic one and it will therefore be targeted at addressing and correcting any imbalance that is found. The treatment will commence when the patient is relaxed and at ease.

The Shiatsu therapist will usually treat the patient whilst they are lying down and the areas of the body requiring treatment will normally need to be free of clothing. The duration of the treatment session, and any subsequent sessions, will be determined based upon the nature of the imbalance requiring correction.

Finding a therapist can best be done by referral, going to a complementary therapy clinic, or checking that the therapist in question is registered with one of the Shiatsu associations like the Shiatsu Society (Europe).