Shiatsu

Shiatsu is an Oriental bodywork with about a 5,000 year old tradition as a healing art.. Like the Chinese form of massage “Amma”, Shiatsu deals with the flow of the energy of the human body “Ki” pronounced as “Chi.” Instead of working specific muscles or tissues, in Shiatsu you work with energy channels. Each of these energy channels has a direct impact your entire body. The energy along these channels can sometimes accumulate in a certain point called a “tsubo” or there can be pockets where the energy is deficient “kyo.” Finding and correcting the energy problems within the channels brings about a balance of the energy which in turn brings about healing of symptoms or conditions created by the imbalance.

Shiatsu, which literally means “finger pressure” employs the use of finger pressure on certain points (about 660), stretching exercises that allows the energy in the channels to move more freely along with the use of palms, knees, forearms and feet. These techniques are not unique to Shiatsu but are also used in other forms of Massage, Physiotherapy and Acupuncture.

The effects of Shiatsu are very similar to other forms of massage such as reduced stress and fatigue, increased blood and lymph flow, decreased blood pressure and muscle stiffness and restore overall sense of well-being.