Shiatsu is a physical therapy that aims to support and strengthen the body’s natural ability to heal and balance itself. Shiatsu looks at the whole person - not just with the physical body, but also with the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of being. Shiatsu originated in Japan from traditional Chinese medicine, with influences from more recent Western therapies. Although shiatsu means ‘finger pressure’ in Japanese, in practice a practitioner uses touch, comfortable pressure and manipulative techniques. It can be a deeply relaxing experience and regular treatments can alleviate stress and illness and maintain health and well-being.

History of Shiatsu

Massage, along with acupuncture and herbalism, was for centuries an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine, which was introduced to Japan by a Buddhist monk in the 6th century. The Japanese developed and refined many of its methods to suit their own physiology, temperament and climate. In particular, they developed the manual healing and diagnostic arts, evolving special techniques of abdominal diagnosis, treatment and massage, which are used in shiatsu today.