Oakville Shiatsu Massage Therapy

What is Shiatsu (Acupressure) Massage Therapy?

Shiatsu is a Japanese healing therapy that was developed as a combination of Chinese Massage called Anma, key aspects of traditional Chinese Medicine and the theory of Shizuto Masunaga. The word Shiatsu can be translated as “finger pressure”. During a session the therapist applies comfortable, sustained pressure to various parts of the body in order to help life energy or “chi/qi” flow properly. Qi flows along pathways referred to as Meridian lines. A Meridian line is worked on to aid blood flow, muscle tonus and posture. Shiatsu is applied using the thumbs, fingers, palms, forearms and elbows. The aim of Shiatsu is to trigger the body’s own natural healing powers to help restore vitality and prevent disease by harmonizing the body, mind and spirit.

How is Shiatsu therapy different from massage?

The main difference is the theory they are based on, Shiatsu being based primarily on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Masunaga Theory. This means that energy pathways will be balanced, locally and distally, rather than certain muscles being massaged. Another difference is that during a treatment the recipient remains fully clothed and no oils or lotions are used. A session also includes gentle Shiatsu stretching of the Meridians before and also afterwards to entice the proper flow of energy. This could include bringing stretches home to do on a regular basis.

What can I expect from my Shiatsu Massage treatment?

Shiatsu and other Oriental therapies, like acupuncture, have very unique ways of looking at the body. In Shiatsu we do not diagnose a person but take the signs and symptoms of dis-ease along with observations, your medical history and what is felt in the body during a treatment to put together a personalized pattern of how the condition came to be. In Zen Shiatsu theory every organ in the body has an energy pathway that runs along the torso, arms and legs. This gives the advantage of working to help any local discomfort but also balancing the energy of specific organs distally as well. Remember that you remain fully clothed, so come prepared with comfortable, loose clothing. Verbal contact is kept with you at all times to ensure the pressure is comfortable for your needs.

What can Shiatsu Massge Therapy help treat?

Digestive disorders such as constipation, acid reflux, bloating and feeling tired after eating.

Musculoskeletal problems such as muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, low back pain, limited range of motion especially after injury, RSI’s, arthritis and whiplash.

Nervous system imbalances like anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, stress, headaches and sciatica.

Circulatory problems such as cold hands and feet or always feeling cold.

Womens issues that include PMS, cravings, cramps, irregularities in flow and timing, menopause signs as well as moodiness.

Common spellings:
shiatsu | shiatsu massage | acupressure
oakville shiatsu | shiatsu therapy