Shiatsu is a powerful, safe and effective natural therapy for preventing disease and supporting the individual’s innate  powers of recuperation.

Shi ( finger) atsu ( pressure) is a medically recognised Japanese healing art which is becoming increasingly popular.

Based on a full oriental medical system ( the origins of which date back 5,000 years), which explains the human body as an orderly network of energy pathways called meridians, through which flows "Ki", of life-force. Shaitsu restores the dynamic movements of this Ki within the body, which is the source of health or disease.

Although literally translated as finger pressure, this very effective "hands –on" body therapy also involves stretches,  articulation, corrective exercises, and controlled yet effortless use of body weight, to apply firm but non-invasive, gentle, natural pressure, using palms, thumbs, fingers elbows, knees and even feet!

Developing the art of observation and cultivating an understanding of….

• oriental diagnosis of the whole body

• our interaction with the environment

• nutrition energetics

• exercise therapy

• 5 element theory, yin/yang theory etc.

• feng shui

• relaxation techniques

…….enables a Shiatsu practitioner to strengthen or tonify areas of weakness, and disperse or sedate areas of tension and congestion.

   This creates balance, harmony, improved circulation, flexibility and a sense of RELAXATION, WELL-BEING and   VITALITY.

The spirit of Shiatsu is one of communication through touch and requires sensitivity in order to feel and positively influence the quality of vitality within the recipient.  Diagnosis can take the form of questions, observation, listening and non intrusive touch.  Techniques applied involve stretching, holding and leaning appropriate body weight into various parts of the receiver's body to improve energy flow, blood circulation, flexibility and posture.

To receive Shiatsu it is best to wear loose comfortable clothing - preferably cotton, and relax as much as possible.  The receiver does not have to be sick or unwell as a large emphasis of Shiatsu is on health maintenance

Ki is the life energy that flows through the body giving movement and animation.  Like a river system, it flows strongest in certain pathways - channels or meridians.  12 of the 14 charted pathways are directly linked with certain organs in the body e.g.. the stomach, spleen, gall bladder, bladder etc.  Also like a river system, these pathways can become blocked creating a fullness or an emptiness in places and can lead to physiological or mental discomforts and problems.

Shiatsupractors perform Shiatsu by pressing with their thumbs, fingers and palms on Shiatsu points throughout the body to enhance the body’s natural healing ability and prevent the progression of disease.  Shiatsu points are called "Tsubo" in Japanese and their location and the effect of Shiatsu on them is based on an understanding of modern Anatomy and Physiology. These points are effective in treating all body systems including the Integumentary, Muscular, Nervous, Circulatory, Skeletal, Endocrine, and Digestive systems.  They are applicable only to Shiatsu Therapy and are not related to ancient "Chinese Meridians" for Acupuncture, Moxibustion or Anma therapy.
The Japanese expression "Shindan Soku Chiryo", means "Diagnosis and Therapy Combined" and is the essence of Shiatsu.  The thumbs, fingers and palms of trained and experienced Shiatsupractors are sensitive enough to detect, on contact, irregularities in the skin, muscles or body temperature.  Relating to “the Cutaneovisceral Reflexes”, in the course of practical experience, Shiatsupractors are able to locate abnormalities and ascertain their degree, as well as determining the condition of the organs.  When detecting abnormalities, Shiatsupractors apply Shiatsu as a treatment at the same time.  The amount of pressure and its tempo are gauged to apply the appropriate pressure for each patient - sometimes strong or soft - quick or slow.  Lacking the sensitivity of the hand, knuckles, elbows, knees and feet are not used for application of pressure during treatments by Shiatsupractors.  Mastering the essence of Shiatsu requires many years of practical experience and is the goal of a Shiatsupractor.