"Shiatsu" is translated from Japanese as "finger pressure" but Certified Shiatsu Therapists may use their thumbs, palms, elbows and knees to apply pressure to the client's head, torso and limbs. Shiatsu pressure stimulates the body's own natural healing abilities by regulating the Autonomic Nervous System, thereby allowing the improved function of the body's internal organs and their systems.

Shiatsu pressure is applied directly to the body through the clothing or a sheet, utilizing the Therapist's own body weight as the source of this comfortable pressure. During the whole body treatment, the therapist may also apply stretches to muscles and joints.

History and Theory

Shiatsu therapy has often been said to have it's roots in the Chinese therapy 'Anma' which is a massage using pressure points, firm pressure, and stretches. Thus, much of Shiatsu Therapy is based on Chinese Medicine as it applies to the body. The therapist will be working to relieve blockages of Qi (life Energy) by treating the meridians or energy pathways thus improving the energy flow. In Western terms, Shiatsu is said to affect the nervous system of the body by calming the sympathetic nervous system and promoting the parasympathetic nervous system. The 'Shiatsu pressure' causes the nervous system to self-regulate, allowing the systems to function efficiently.

Benefits and Side Effects

Shiatsu is effective in relieving pain, improving function of the organ systems and tissues, and helping to maintain health while preventing future illness.

The benefits from a Shiatsu treatment are many, but the body may experience a few side effects, depending of the depth of the treatment's stimulus or on the condition being treated. Occasional reactions include feeling sleepy, tired, sore or stiff. Very rarely the client may experience stronger reactions such as slight headache, dizziness or nausea.

Recommended Reading

	An affordable introduction with an excellent description of the underlying theory. Click book cover to view at amazon.ca.
	A deep explication of the theory and practice, largely aimed at practitioners. Click book cover to view at amazon.ca.
	Complete coverage of Shiatsu at an understandable depth of detail. Click book cover to view at amazon.ca.