What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a manual therapy that originated in Japan, assuming its current forms during the 20th century.
I primarily practice Zen Shiatsu, which was developed by Shizuto Masunaga and has been exported around the globe since the late '70s.
I have also trained in Shin So Shiatsu, which is a natural extension of Masunaga's ideas. Developed by Tetsuro Saito over the past few decades, it is an active clinical research program that continues to evolve and grow.
The goal of both Zen Shiatsu and Shin So Shiatsu is to help achieve a balanced and unobstructed flow of Qi or Ki, which can be thought of as our life force or energy, and has been linked to bio-electricity. Reaching this balance puts the body in a position where it can heal itself naturally from a wide variety of ailments, including the following:
I primarily practice Zen Shiatsu, which was developed by Shizuto Masunaga and has been exported around the globe since the late '70s.
I have also trained in Shin So Shiatsu, which is a natural extension of Masunaga's ideas. Developed by Tetsuro Saito over the past few decades, it is an active clinical research program that continues to evolve and grow.
The goal of both Zen Shiatsu and Shin So Shiatsu is to help achieve a balanced and unobstructed flow of Qi or Ki, which can be thought of as our life force or energy, and has been linked to bio-electricity. Reaching this balance puts the body in a position where it can heal itself naturally from a wide variety of ailments, including the following:
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The energetic balance we are seeking is achieved by applying static pressure along the pathways our Qi travels, called meridians. A number of passive stretches and mobilizations are employed as well, helping to loosen stiff joints and open up energetic and structural blockages in and around them.
The typical Shiatsu session takes place on a tatami mat on the ground, allowing both patient and therapist to be as supported as possible. Many of the techniques employed on a mat are possible on a table too, so I can put together treatments for those who find it difficult to be on or get to and from the floor. Patients are typically clothed through the session, so be sure to wear something loose and comfortable!
