Shiatsu is a very safe therapy, but you should inform your practitioner of any condition that has been diagnosed by your doctor. Shiatsu should be avoided in case of infectious disease, internal bleeding, or clots, and any acute feverish illness.

Yes, although it is generally best to leave at least a few days between different treatments to let the effects settle in. If you have any concerns about mixing treatments, please discuss them with your practitioner.

Yes. Shiatsu is safe and supportive during and after pregnancy. You should let your practitioner know so that they can adjust your treatment accordingly 

No. People can receive Shiatsu purely for relaxation and enjoyment.

How many treatments does the receiver needs, may vary from person to person. 

It is often possible to have significant changes just after the first session, whereas in other cases a longer series of treatments may be necessary, agreed with the client. 

Many people use shiatsu as ongoing care, coming about once a month to keep their energy in balance and to support their health and well-being.

Some private insurers do offer coverage for shiatsu. Health Shield is one of the Health Insurance companies who have this kind of service. We suggest that a claimant check with their private insurance plan or extended health care coverage first to see if they offer this coverage.

Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing holistic therapy that treats the whole body using a wide range of techniques. Frequently stretching and rotation are used to improve the benefit of Shiatsu along with finger pressure and palms. A combination of pressure points, gentle manipulation and stretching is used to re-energise weak areas and reduce tension in the body. 

Shiatsu is deeply restful, it doesn’t hurt. 

Shiatsu aims to improve the clients flow of Qi, which is a person’s natural energy system that runs along internal pathways called meridians.

This is a traffic metaphor often used to describe Shiatsu :
“The meridians form a network — like a system of roads, highways, and country lanes. Acupoints are found at the major junctions, crossroads, overpasses, bus stops and traffic lights. The subtle art of assessment and treatment requires the selection of specific meridians and acupoints that can be used to unblock traffic jams and enhance the free flow of traffic that results in homeostasis.”

The free movement of energy and achievement of balance are the goals of Shiatsu treatment.

A shiatsu giver will use these to diagnose, interpret and to plan your treatment and they do this by a multisensory engagement with the client.

At the beginning of the session, the practitioner will discuss the client’s expectations and needs; what they hope to gain from Shiatsu treatment. This will normally be explored by ‘taking a case history’ in which the practitioner will ask questions about current and past health, and any concerns or restrictions to treatment. Since Shiatsu is a holistic therapy, the practitioner will take emotional and psychological factors into account, as well as the physical condition.

Many forms of Shiatsu, though not all, use East Asian medical theory to describe what is happening to the client in terms of “Ki” or energy. Others base their therapy focus on western medical knowledge. The practitioner then designs a plan that will give the client the most therapeutic benefit according to their individual needs and will ask the client to sign a form consenting to treatment. Clients are encouraged to discuss and participate in the therapeutic process; practitioners will give aftercare advice and often supportive practices for clients to use between sessions.

Shiatsu uses a variety of manual techniques, including static pressure with palms and thumbs, kneading, soothing, tapping, and stretching. These enhance the body’s physical systems (circulatory, lymphatic etc) and can access its deeper energy reserves. In the case where the client's energy is low or deficient, the practitioner uses specific techniques to enhance and vitalise it. When the client is over-stressed, wound-up, or anxious, the practitioner employs techniques to calm and release tension. In this way, Shiatsu works to alleviate conditions, restore balance, and promote health.

A regular maintenance program of Shiatsu is an excellent way to maintain wellness and improve vitality. This schedule will vary for each person.