Key findings from SSUK’s new Public Awareness Survey
We are pleased to share the results of the SSUK Shiatsu Public Awareness Survey, based on responses from 1,005 UK adults and fully representative of the UK population.
Here are the key takeaways for practitioners:
- Awareness is moderate, but experience is very low - 43% of people have heard of Shiatsu, yet only 4% have ever tried it.
- Satisfaction is exceptionally high once people do - among those who have received Shiatsu, 82% rated their experience 7–10/10 (average score: 8/10).
- The biggest barrier is lack of understanding- the main reason people hesitate is simply: “I don’t know enough about it.” Cost and availability come next; safety concerns are low.
- Public health priorities align closely with Shiatsu’s strengths - sleep, stress, energy, mental wellbeing and musculoskeletal pain are top priorities – and exactly where Shiatsu is already perceived as helpful.
- Trust matters - people most trust information from the NHS, GPs, evidence-based sources and the Shiatsu Society UK.
What this means:
The key challenge is not proving Shiatsu works – it is helping people understand it well enough to try it for the first time. This remains the main priority in our communication strategy.