Art & Soul BodyWork, What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a type of Japanese massage which is rapidly gaining exposure and popularity worldwide, due to its excellent therapeutic effects. Shiatsu is especially beneficial for people in high-stress situations, such as executives, and people whose bodies regularly undergo stress, such as athletes and musicians.

During a Shiatsu treatment, the recipient is fully-clothed, preferably in loose-fitting cotton clothing, lying on a mat on the floor or a massage table. The practitioner then applies pressure to the "tsubo" or Shiatsu points, which are a cross-section between the meridians, the body's energy circulatory system, and the muscular system.

Typically, the practitioner will complete each series of points three times. The first time may be slightly uncomfortable, as the muscle is being stretched for the first time. The second and third time a point is pressed will be less uncomfortable, since the muscle has already been stretched.

In addition to working on the physical level, in which the muscles are stretched, Shiatsu works on the energy level. The body stores tension in the meridians, and by pressing on these points, the stored tension is released, and an energy balance is restored.

The benefits of Shiatsu extend far beyond the treatment time. Patients typically report a feeling of being looser and lighter, very relaxed and balanced.

There are several types of Shiatsu, some of which use hand, elbow, knee, and foot pressure on the meridians. I use only the thumbs for pressure, in the traditional Namikoshi-style of Shiatsu. Shiatsu may be done at light, moderate, or deep pressure, at the recipient's request.