Shiatsu is a Japanese style of acupressure developed over 5,000 years ago. Shiatsu combines the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with those of acupuncture, but it is performed with finger pressure instead of needles. There are a number of acupressure techniques, and Shiatsu is the most well known of these.

Shiatsu practitioners believe that our vital life force, ‘chi’, flows in connected channels, or meridians, throughout the body. An organ's chi can be accessed at certain points along the meridian. Shiatsu systematically stimulates the body by pressing on specific points along these meridians. Finger pressure stimulates the nerves and tissues, influencing the flow of chi.

Poor or blocked chi circulation causes disharmony in the body that may show up as pain, emotional stress, depression, fatigue and disease. Proper chi circulation along the meridians creates harmonious movement and balance throughout the body.

Shiatsu stimulates the circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid and the hormonal and immune systems, releases toxins and tensions from muscles, and acts on the autonomic nervous system, allowing deep relaxation and promoting the body’s natural healing power.

During a Shiatsu treatment session, loose clothing is worn and no massage oil is used. Shiatsu uses a combination of pressure and assisted-stretching techniques, some of which are common to other therapies. Shiatsu is not recommended for people with heart disorders, multiple sclerosis or cancer.

Shiatsu can promote a sense of well being, but it also has a number of temporary side effects resulting from the blockages being released. Patients may feel tired or emotional, or experience coughing, excess mucus or headaches, or other pains and aches after treatment. In general, any such effects are considered positive signs that the body is making an attempt to correct its own condition in a natural way.