Shiatsu, derived from the Japanese meaning 指圧, lit. "finger pressure", is an ancien art of touch originating from Japan. This therapeutic practice and art of touch involves applying a special type of finger pressure to massage the body. Alongeside finger pressure, Shiatsu incorporates various techniques, providing both localized stimulation of individual points (acupuncture points) and comprehensive full-body treatment along the body's meridians which are channels of energy flow.
During a Shiatsu session, the client remains comfortably clothed, either sitting or lying on a futon or mat on the floor. The therapist utilizes thumbs, fingers, fists, elbows, knees, palms, or soles of the feet to influence the client's muscular, structural, nervous, visceral, and fascial tissue through the body's energy system.
Through pressure and stretching, muscular tension and fascial tissue adhesions are released, reducing nervousness, mobilizing stiff joints, and minimizing tension in internal organs through touch and breathing techniques. Shiatsu encourages improved mobility, relaxed deep breathing, and reconnects individuals with their natural state of being.
In Hara-Shiatsu, particular attention is given to treating the abdominal area due to its significance in addressing various complaints that may stem from this vulnerable region of the body.
Work in the network of life
Understanding the interconnectedness of physical and energetic structures within the body is fundamental to Shiatsu.
Our body consists of a network of physical and energetic structures. Like a spider's web, muscles, fascia, blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, nerve fibers, bone tissue, etc., as well as energy fields, energy channels (meridians), and energy points (tsubos, chakras, etc.) are interwoven with each other and further interconnected with the surrounding enviroment.
In times of stress, disruptions in this physical-energetic network can occur, impeding the natural flow and leading to long-term blockages and tension in the meridians and tissues. This can manifest as psychological, emotional, and physical discomfort, ultimately affecting one's quality of life.
Shiatsu offers a means to consciously engage with this ancient holistic understanding of medicine, promoting vitality and well-being in a new light. With its diagnostic approach, Shiatsu enables a holistic and targeted treatment strategy, addressing the interconnected aspects of an individual's health and well-being.