What is Shiatsu?

Introduction
Shiatsu at its simplest it is the application of pressure to selected specific parts of the body.

The objective of a Shiatsu treatment is to achieve unrestricted free flow of energy (chi or ki) around the body. The benefits of this free flowing energy can be immense - physical, emotional and mental aspects of our lives can all be improved by this.

The history and how it was developed
Shiatsu is a form of therapy developed by the Japanese from ancient Chinese techniques and has evolved into modern day Shiatsu. The name Shiatsu is a Japanese word that means finger pressure. It is a new name for the oldest form of medicine - healing with hands.

Shiatsu uses hand pressure and manipulative techniques to adjust the body's physical structure and its natural inner energies, to help ward off illness, and maintain good health.

Shiatsu is characterized by its great simplicity. It grew from earlier forms of massage, called Anma in Japan (Anmo or Tuina in China) which use rubbing, stroking, squeezing, tapping, pushing, and pulling to influence the muscles and circulatory systems of the body. Shiatsu, by contrast, uses few techniques and to an observer it would appear that little is happening - merely a still, relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand or thumb, an easy leaning of the elbows or a simple rotation of a limb.

What happens during a treatment or session?
The patient is fully clothed in loose clothing and lies flat on the floor, but if they prefer they can remain seated. A treatment takes about one hour.

The therapist works on the pathways of energy that run around the body, gentle pressure is applied at points along these pathways, with the intention of ensuring a balanced and easy flow of energy around the body. Some gentle stretching and easy manipulation may also be involved. There are several styles of Shiatsu but all follow the same general principles.

Who and what is it good for?
Shiatsu is a relaxing treatment and can be beneficial in non specific conditions where there is a reduction in wellbeing, as well as conditions such as arthritis, backaches, emotional difficulties, headaches/migraines, insomnia, intestinal disorders, menstrual problems, reproductive problems, muscular tensions, respiratory difficulties, sinusitis, and stress-related disorders. Shiatsu has been found to work for patients with long standing chronic pain. Used as a management technique for pain and discomfort, Shiatsu has helps those with scoliosis, muscular degenerative disorders, fibromyalgia, anxiety attacks and phobias, burn victims, as well as long term emotional traumas.

What can the side effects be?
By the nature of Shiatsu, it is almost impossible for it to have harmful effects. The aim is to shift energy around the body in such a way as to relieve areas of tension and enliven weak areas. Occasionally a new patient may have "healing reactions" after the first few sessions. These occur when toxins have been released during the treatment, and as these work out through the body there may be symptoms such as headache, stiffness, stomach upsets or diarrhoea, desire to urinate frequently, or lethargy. Such symptoms are transitory and soon pass, usually in 12 hours at most. Drinking plenty of spring water and resting will help, as well as asking the practitioner for advice and reassurance.

Emotional releases may take longer to work through, and indeed, over the course of a number of treatments, deep-seated emotional patterns or memories involving past emotions may be uncovered. These can have profound effects on the patient's life. In such cases, extra contact between sessions may be necessary to talk through the reactions to treatment.

How much will it cost?

Each practitioner is independent so charges will vary. Throughout the UK the average cost of a one hour session is around £25

Sources include The Shiatsu Society, www.shiatsu.org and Shiatsu International, www.shiatsu-international.com