Developed from ancient Japanese massage tradition, modern shiatsu stands as one of the most effective massage practices today. The word shiatsu translates from Japanese to mean “finger pressure,” which is exactly the main tool of shiatsu massage. The technique uses the practitioner’s fingers, thumbs and palms to massage and manipulate the energy flows throughout the body known as Ki flows. The result is balance throughout the entire system.
Illness or pain within the body in traditional Chinese medicine is thought to be a blockage or imbalance of the body’s natural energy ki flows. Therefore, the emphasis in shiatsu is to alleviate imbalances and improve Ki flow throughout the complex meridians of the body. Participants in this ancient technique can expect improvement for many of their ailments including, but not limited to the following: