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. Whether you need to de-stress, have generalized or specific pain, are experiencing low energy, want to feel more connected to your body, are rehabilitating from an injury or would like to use shiatsu preventatively as a means of staying healthy.

Massage focuses on relaxing muscles and venous return of blood to the heart. While shiatsu can also do these things it can do much more. Shiatsu focuses on the meridian health, the energy pathway system of the body, much like acupuncture does. By using pressure on acupressure points instead of needles it promotes the circulation of chi or life energy of the body. In this process muscles, connective tissues, and joints relax and expand slightly allowing for more blood and energy movement, vital for nourishing the organ systems (heart, liver, lungs, Intestines, stomach, spleen, bladder and kidneys) as well as detoxifying the body at the cellular level. Shiatsu also differs from massage in that you remain clothed and no oils or lotions are necessary in the session.