What is Shiatsu Massage

Q. I am interested in getting a massage and I found a listing for shiatsu massage. What is Shiatsu massage?

A. Shiatsu is a form of massage developed from the ancient style of East Asian massage. Shi literally means finger and atsu means pressure. Similar to acupuncture shiatsu practioners work with the 361 points along the 12 meridians of the body as described in eastern medicine. Shiatsu is comparable to the very trendy modalities of massage called yoga massage or assisted yoga. The Oprah magazine and The Today Show both have recently highlighted these massage trends. Shiatsu is comparable to both of these popular massage trends. In our spa the client lies dressed in loose comfortable clothes on a futon on the floor. The practioner will use her hands, fingers, elbows, knees and feet during the massage. The techniques include gentle stretching, yoga postures, rocking and rotation movements, percussion and vibrations. The client does not need to know or be able to do yoga. Even clients with a limited range of motion can have and benefit from shiatsu massage. The treatment is usually 90 minutes long. As with many massage modalities this type of massage is not intended as a replacement for medical care but it can enhance the body’s own healing capabilities. Shiatsu can help with relaxation, stress relief, relief from tension and anxiety, increase of blood flow, ease feelings of depression, and much more. If you are looking for a massage experience that is unique and different I would highly recommend you try Shiatsu.