The term Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure" and as such only just begins to describe the work of the Shiatsu practitioner.

In reality, various parts of the giver's body (fingers, thumbs, palms, and forearms) are used to apply pressure to the receiver's body. This can be targeted at general areas or specific points. Click on Picture for more details about Shiatsu.

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(Picture from Rian Visser's site in Haarlem, Nederland)

These techniques are used in conjunction with stretches to give an 'all-over' treatment which aims at treating the receiver on a holistic level - working with body, mind and spirit together. Contacting the receiver's Qi, Ki, Chi, or internal energy via the manipulation of the soft tissue is an integral part of the treatment.

Treatment is normally carried out usually with the receiver lying or sitting on a massage table. You usually lie face up. A typical treatment will last between 45 minutes and an hour and a half, although shorter treatments can also be very beneficial.

Shiatsu is a form of bodywork that has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the historical massage techniques of Japan. Modern Shiatsu is based on these oriental traditions, which go back several thousand years. These different disciplines were drawn together this century, mainly by the work of Shizotu Masunaga, to form what is now referred to as Zen Shiatsu.

Its aim is to facilitate health by activating the mind-body's natural health maintenance systems. Shiatsu primarily uses a combination of body pressure and stretching to achieve this.

For more information about this subject, click on the animated 5-element picture above, or on the Qi Journal banner in the "Links" section.

It is worth finding a good Shiatsu Practitioner and a massage therapist all in one. A one-stop full body treatment. Click on the button below to experience a shiatsu session!