Shiatsu is from Japan and means “finger pressure. It is often described as “acupuncture without needles”. Originating in Japan though now practiced worldwide, shiatsu has gained recognition as an effective bodywork/energy therapy to restore and maintain health.
The shiatsu practitioner applies hand, finger and thumb pressure along energy pathways on the receiver’s body. By means of a listening touch, joint rotations and gentle stretches the practitioner restores energy flows in the receiver. This energy, referred to as Chi or Ki (Japanese), is “Life Force Energy”, a fundamental Eastern concept of Health. Basically stated, Where Ki flows there is Health. Where Ki is stuck or imbalanced dis-ease arises.
Shiatsu is a complete body therapy as it treats the many levels of a person, from the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Sessions are often deeply relaxing yet at times somewhat vigorous depending on the needs of the individual and how to best facilitate their healing process. Shiatsu can effectively treat many body ailments as well as keep you healthy. By receiving shiatsu on a regular basis you become more resilient to daily stress and more in-tune with your body.
The session takes place on a comfortable shiatsu mat at the floor level. During the session there may be some tender points though generally the experience is very soothing as parts of the body become more connected and a feeling of integrated wholeness results. Following a shiatsu session, it is common to feel very relaxed and pain-free.
Shiatsu is performed through clothing. Please wear or bring loose fitting, comfortable clothing i.e. (sweat pants and top) along with a clean pair of socks. For best results it is not recommended to eat a large meal less than an hour before your appointment. During Covid-19 Pandemic times wearing a mask upon arrival and during the session is required. Hand sanitizer is available at the office. A health history form is to be completed in the waiting area just prior to your appointment time. Please call or text the shiatsu practitioner if you experience Covid-like symptoms or were in contact with someone with Covid-19 prior to arriving so that you may reschedule.
Shiatsu is from Japan and means “finger pressure. It is often described as “acupuncture without needles”. Originating in Japan though now practiced worldwide, shiatsu has gained recognition as an effective bodywork/energy therapy to restore and maintain health.
It is beneficial to receive a shiatsu under many circumstances. Some reasons include: a need to de-stress, have generalized or specific pain, experiencing low energy, want to feel more connected to your body, or rehabilitate from an injury. Sometimes you may feel out of sorts and the rebalancing of energy from a shiatsu session can make you to feel much better. So shiatsu can be used both as a healing modality and preventatively as a means of staying healthy.
Massage relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. While shiatsu can do this it also does much more. Shiatsu works both on the physical and energetic level of the body. Similar to acupuncture shiatsu unblocks stagnant Chi energy in the body’s meridian system. This is done via finger pressure on acupressure points instead of using needles. In this process muscles, connective tissues, and joints relax and expand slightly to allow for more blood and energy flow. Restoring and balancing this energy and blood flow nourishes the organ systems (heart, liver, lungs, intestines, stomach, spleen, bladder and kidneys) as well as detoxifying the body on the cellular level. Shiatsu also differs from massage in that you remain clothed and no oils or lotions are necessary during the session.
The shiatsu practitioner asks about your health and any concerns you might have. The session begins with you lying down on a shiatsu mat while the shiatsu practitioner applies hand or finger pressure on specific points on your body to promote circulation and energy flow. Joint rotations and stretches are also a part of the relaxing shiatsu experience.
It is recommended not to have a large meal within the hour of your scheduled appointment. Bring a change of comfortable clothes, ie sweat pants and top, and a clean pair of socks.
Shiatsu is very effective for treating stress and body aches. There are many postural and stress-related conditions which shiatsu can help alleviate as well. These include; digestion, headaches, arthritis, back, neck, shoulder pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, asthma, allergies, tinnitus, sleep problems and many more.
It depends. Some people receive shiatsu on a weekly basis to regain health and find shiatsu is a good way to stay healthy. Another common interval is once every two weeks or once a month. Others come in a few times a year for a body tune-up. It is a matter of choice.
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I really like going to Harvard Square Shiatsu. Roger is fantastic, professional and he helps me reduce my stress. Don’t hesitate to try shiatsu with him.
I was given a shiatsu massage as a gift and I have to admit I was extremely skeptical about trying it out. I have been suffering from chronic migraines and have tried various preventative and abortive medications to treat my migraines with very little success. I don’t like to take meds and have been desperate to find something besides “break” medication to help. The shiatsu treatment provided a lot of relief. I left the session with less pain and nausea, my wonky migraine vision was gone and the tension and achy muscles is gone. I have not felt so relaxed in a long time. I would recommend this to anyone who suffers from migraines.
Highly, highly recommend!! Really fabulous experience.
Roger was great at his craft. Most relaxing massage I have ever had.
Great massage. Very intuitive healer.
Absolutely amazing – did wonders on my neck!
Very pleasant experience, I will surely be returning
Great Shiatsu treatment! Roger is very kind and gentle – highly recommend! Very relaxing!
I was trained in zen shiatsu in Cambridge at the Boston Shiatsu School. I had a treatment from Roger…fabulous… He has a great manner and good hands. This is the perfect treatment for someone who wants to relax in a soothing environment and treat themselves to an effective and nourishing modality.
My first Shiatsu session.
Roger is great (very professional and intuitive).
I’m looking forward to my next visit.
I had a shiatsu massage last weekend for a an acute neck pain with Roger. A very pleasant experience and would recommend it to anyone who has any issues or just to get their energy flow back in sync. I am so much better following that massage and slept better too.
Roger is gentle, kind and intuitive. Gratitude
I have been getting regular treatments from Roger for a few years. All my shoulder and back pains are gone.
