What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu (japan.)
= finger pressure.

 

Shiatsu (指圧) literally means „finger pressure“ and is a holistic body therapy, that originated in Japan.

During a Shiatsu massage treatment, the body’s Qi is activated and moved by applying soft or more firm pressure with thumbs, fingers, palms, ellbows or knees. Stretches and rotations support this effect.

Origin.

Theoretically, Shiatsu is based on the principles of TCM (‘Traditional Chinese Medicine’). Therefore, also Shiatsu works with meridians, which are treated in acupuncture and acupressure.

Meridians are 3D channels in our body, through which our life force (Qi) is moving and where it can be touched. Though invisible, they can be traced by the Shiatsu therapist. Meridians inherit different functions in our body: Not only are they strongly connected with our organs, but also our psyche as well as emotions.

Zen Shiatsu –
diagnose through touch.

I practice „Zen Shiatsu’. This is a specific style of Shiatsu according to Dr. Shizuto Masunaga, which combines Shiatsu and TCM with Western medicine, psychology and physiology.

The most special aspect about Zen Shiatsu is the resting in what is, to be in the moment, the here and now. This implies that the practitioner’s approach during treatment should be without intention. Based on that, the diagnose through touch can reflect the current state of the client.

Moreover, Masunaga arrived to a deeper understanding of the classic meridian system in the way that he expanded it based on ancient traditions: As a result, each meridian runs through the whole body and can be reached from almost all positions.