Shiatsu originated in Japan, and was brought to the West in the 1970’s. It involves using firm finger pressure along meridians, or energy flow lines, and is deeply relaxing, refreshing, and clearing.
It does not utilize lotion or gliding movements, but rather the participant can wear loose clothing. All finger pressure is done along these energy pathways of the body, and special stretching techniques are used for each area of the body as well. It’s name means “finger pressure.”
Shiatsu is unique in that it’s success and effectiveness lie in it’s use of energy patterns to clear blocks in the meridians. Each organ of the body has specific meridian which correlates with it and runs either toward the heavens (up), or Yin/female; and is on the anterior (front) side of the body, or toward the earth (down), or Yang/male, and is on the posterior side of the body.
A Shiatsu treatment consists of the therapist using fingers, thumbs, or palms in a continuous sequence along the body, typically holding each point for 2 seconds then moving to the next.
It is calming and stimulating, as the muscles relax and the flow of Qi, or Chi energy, is encouraged to flow in a healthy pattern. Think of each meridian as a river, and the Shiatsu movements are gently pressing away and clearing the dams, or blockages so energy may run freely again.
