Shiatsu is a non-invasive therapeutic form of bodywork that works on different levels to facilitate a sense of holistic wellbeing and enhance the body’s natural ability to come back into harmony.  

Brief History of Shiatsu

Massage, along with acupuncture and herbalism, was an integral part of Chinese Medicine for centuries. Around the 6th Century, a Buddhist monk introduced these techniques to the Japanese culture. 

The Japanese developed and refined many of their methods to suit their own physiology, temperament and cli­mate. In particular, they evolved the manual therapy and diagnostic arts, growing special techniques of abdominal diagnosis, treatment and massage. Many of them are still used in Shiatsu today.

However, the practice of massage, previously known as "Anma" (Anmo or Tuina in China) became more and more associated with relaxation and wellbeing. Certain practitioners were concerned to preserve massage and related techniques as an accepted healing art.

In the early part of the 20th Century, one such practitioner, Tamai Tempaku, incorporated the newer Western sciences of anatomy and physiology as well as disciplines like physiotherapy and chiropractic into several older meth­ods of treatment. Originally, he used the term "Shiatsu Ryoho" or finger pressure technique of healing, which was later changed to "Shiatsu Ho" or finger pressure method. Later still, once known as Shiatsu, it became an officially recognised form of therapeutic bodywork by the Japanese Government in 1964, thus distinguishing it from Anma and Western massage. Since then, Shiatsu has stood on its own as a holistic practice. 

Many early Shiatsu practitioners developed their own style, and some, including Tokojiro Namikoshi and Shizuto Masunaga, founded schools that helped establish Shiatsu as a form of bodywork therapy. Today, Shiatsu encompasses a number of different styles, philosophical approaches and theoretical bases. Practitioners around the world are still evolving new approaches to the practice, however the essence remains the same. No matter the style or approach, the most important thing is to find what resonates with YOU. 

Let's explore some of the most popular styles in Britain together! 

Styles of Shiatsu

• Zen Shiatsu

Zen Shiatsu (initially known as Masunaga Therapy) was developed by Shizuto Masunaga. He believed that profound yet comfortable pressure, as well as balancing and detoxifying effects and rich theoretical concepts, made Shiatsu the "King" of bodywork. The Western publishers of his 1977 book renamed the style Zen Shiatsu. This practice goes directly to the core of the receiver's present condition via its subtle diagnostic system. The use of a stationary, “listening” hand guiding the penetrating, working hand makes for great sensitivity and effectiveness. It has influenced many other styles. 

(Source: Carola Beresford-Cooke)

• Five Element Shiatsu

Five Element Shiatsu uses the Eastern philosophical concept of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water) to identify patterns of disharmony in the receiver's field and find the appropriate treatment. The intention of this practice is to take a holistic approach that considers physical, emotional, psychological factors and lifestyle to bring the receiver to elemental harmony. Five Element Shiatsu is considered to be effective in both acute and chronic disharmony, providing a great impact on constitutional issues. Discover more about Five Element Shiatsu here. 

• Movement Shiatsu

Developed by Bill Palmer, Movement Shiatsu is a revolutionary style that empowers the client to work with their ability and unique pace in developing movement. This style was inspired by Bill's work with children and research that found precise alignment between the pathways along which infants learn to move in the first year of life and the Six Divisions (channels joining leg meridians to arm meridians). 

In Movement Shiatsu, the practitioner helps the client find new ways of moving by working with their own ability and guiding them to directly experience their own body. Find out more about Movement Shiatsu here. 

• Quantum Shiatsu 

Founded by Pauline Sasaki, Quantum Shiatsu bridges Quantum Physics with traditional Shiatsu to develop awareness beyond the physical body and bring energetic alignment. This practice uses light techniques to enhance the flow of Ki (or Chi) and bring the body to its natural state of harmony ("Quantum Coherence"). The aim of the session is designed to help the recipient transcend the limitations of their physical body and connect to what is commonly referred to as their "light body", ultimately balancing each level of being. 

• Seiki 

Built on traditional Shiatsu, Seiki is a Japanese practice that fosters self-awareness and mindfulness through touch. Seiki follows the movement of the breath, and incorporates different bodywork treatments and Katsugen spontaneous movement to help the receiver become more embodied. Founded by Akinobu Kishi Sensei, Seiki provides a unique experience that cannot be defined within the boundaries of physical techniques. Practitioners seek to recognise and appreciate the essence of the person. Discover more about Seiki here. 

• Barefoot Shiatsu (Ashiatsu)

Barefoot Shiatsu works with the same principles as traditional Shiatsu, however, the practitioner uses the feet and whole body to apply stronger and more sustained pressure. This Yang style is dynamic and vigorous and is particularly useful for clients with tight, hard musculature. It includes a variety of powerful yoga-like stretches designed to unwind stiffness and tightness. This practice also encourages cultivation of self-reflection, mindfulness and conscious living. Discover more about Barefoot Shiatsu here. 

• Shin Tai

Shin Tai is an innovative evolution of Shiatsu that was developed by Saul Goodman. Expanding on traditional Shiatsu, the practice offers an evolutionary system of diagnosis and technique that stimulates vitality within the body. The enhanced focus on the treatment of the two primary meridians - the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel -  creates a powerful system of evaluation, theory and technique that facilitates intense transformation. A unique synthesis of structural, fascia, meridian and chakra technique, this therapeutic bodywork clears stress from the body, and naturally stimulates the flow of energy. Find out more about Shin Tai here. 

• Namikoshi Shiatsu

Founded by Tokujiro Namikoshi, Namikoshi Shiatsu is the widely recognised form of Shiatsu in Japan. Based on Western anatomy and physiology, this practice uses pressure on specific points to influence the physiology of the body through the nervous system. Some key characteristics include a full body form of treatment (Kata) using stretching and correcting methods, 12 techniques for using palms, thumbs or fingers to apply 8 different types of pressure. Find out more about Namikoshi Shiatsu here. 

Shiatsu as a practice is ever evolving. As an organisation, we believe in preserving the essence of Shiatsu whilst also allowing it to evolve over time. We celebrate those who dedicate their time, energy and resources to bringing Shiatsu to the world regardless of style, methodology or teaching practice. As such, our mission is to promote and support the highest standards of Shiatsu across all communities. 

What matters most is finding a style and practitioner that resonates with YOU. Shiatsu Society registered practitioners go through a rigorous training process of more than 1000 hours of study and practice. They are trained and assessed for the highest standards of Shiatsu practice, are required to abide by our Code of Ethics, and are asked to complete Continuing Professional Development to stay up to date with their practice.