What is Shiatsu Therapy and What Can I Expect from a Shiatsu Treatment?

Shiatsu therapy is a form of Japanese Healing. It is a combined treatment of acupressure, massage and stretching techniques based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This article will discuss what a typical shiatsu treatment will involve and what to expect as a first time client.

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese acupressure rooted in a long lineage of history and healing. It is done on a futon on the floor with the client fully clothed and uses no oils. The treatment will usually consist of rocking, stretching, massage of the head, back, feet, hands and pressure point work within the classic meridians. It is a form of meditation for the giver and the practitioner will benefit as well as the client during a treatment.

The treatment will usually last between 45 minutes to 1 hour. Prior to the shiatsu treatment your practitioner may do a 15 minute intake session and then a reading of your Hara (or energy center). This is located on your belly. The Hara reading will consist of a very gentle and non invasive palpation of the abdomen. The Hara is like the base of all the meridians of the body and is a very important tool in beginning any shiatsu treatment. The practitioner can get a sense energetically what is going on with the client through a Hara diagnosis. Combined with an oral intake it will help the shiatsu practitioner work on the meridians of your body and organ systems bringing them into balance.

These intakes procedures are vital to the treatment as the practitioner is trained in the 5 element theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This is a complex healing system but can have amazing effects your physical and emotional well being when used correctly and as a diagnostic base line.

It is important to wear loose comfortable clothing. You should not eat for about an hour prior to your treatment. You might want to set some time ahead of your treatment to relax or meditate. It is also a great complementary therapy to Qi Gong and yoga.

Typically a shiatsu treatment costs between $40-75 per session.

Shiatsu can help facilitate healing from many minor ailments. From headaches and back pain to digestive, sinus and skin problems it is ideal for people of all ages (including seniors and children!). It is not to be used in place of medical treatment but to enhance wellness and promote a balanced life force.

Focusing on the meridians of the body and the pressure points the shiatsu practitioner is able to energetically balance the body and the Qi that channels through them.

Shiatsu should leave you feeling deeply relaxed. With regular treatments a persons whole life can be transformed bit by bit to good health and longevity. It can also have profound emotional effects. It is a subtle therapy though so you will likely not see drastic results.