Shiatsu

The roots of Shiatsu can be traced back over 5,000 years to the ancient Chinese forms of medicine such as Acupuncture and Acupressure. However, it is really a Japanese therapy, which fuses traditional eastern practices with western techniques of Osteopathy. Shiatsu means finger pressure - Shi (finger) and Atsu (pressure), although other parts of the practitioners body are often used to apply localised pressure to the various points and meridian lines. They may use elbows, knees and feet, but it is the pressure that really helps to release blocked channels of energy. The aim of Shiatsu is to balance the body's energy or Ki, which is also achieved by various rocking, kneading and stretching techniques.

One of the fundamental principles of Shiatsu is to have simultaneous touch from both hands. Using two hands ensures there is a circuit connected, creating an important bond between the giver and receiver. To keep this link, one hand is stationary (called the support hand), and plays the role of assessing and comforting the receiver. The other hand (messenger hand), moves and is used for manipulation. Hands often change roles many times during a treatment.

Acupressure has been used to treat a variety of ailments including:

To find a registered qualified professional or for more information contact:

THE SHIATSU SOCIETY
EASTLANDS COURT
ST PETERS ROAD
RUGBY
CU21 3GP
TEL.: +44 (0)845 130 4560
WEB: www.Shiatsu.org

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