SHIATSU         

Shiatsu is a form of bodywork that has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the historical massage techniques of Japan. Modern Shiatsu is based on these oriental traditions (which go back several thousand years) drawn together with ideas and knowledge from modern disciplines such as physiotherapy and psychology. These different disciplines were drawn together this century, mainly by the work of Shizotu Masunaga, to form what is now referred to as Zen Shiatsu. The focus of the Zen Shiatsu practitioner is to work with a client in the 'here and now', both giver and receiver having an 'active' involvement in what should become a meditative and intuitive process.
The term Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure" and as such only just begins to describe the work of the Shiatsu practitioner. In reality, various parts of the giver's body (fingers, thumbs, palms, forearms, even feet and knees) are used to apply pressure to the receiver's body. This can be targeted at general areas or specific points - often the tsubos or 'acu-points' used in all therapies.

These techniques are used in conjunction with stretches, joint rotations and joint manipulation to give an 'all-over' treatment which aims at treating the receiver on a holistic level - working with body, mind and spirit together. Contacting the receiver's Ki or internal energy is an integral part of the treatment.

Treatment is carried out fully clothed, usually with the receiver lying or sitting on a futon on the ground. A typical treatment will last between 45 minutes and an hour, although shorter treatments can also be very beneficial.