What is Shiatsu?

‘Shi’ means finger and ‘atsu’ means pressure in Japanese. Shiatsu is an oriental, holistic therapy; it encourages deep relaxation, which will enhance the body’s self-healing power. Shiatsu goes with a Japanese lifestyle and philosophy in which nutrition, breathing techniques and exercises are considered very important. The treatments make people aware of the correlation between their health and their way of life. Therefore the therapy also has a preventive effect: deep relaxation stimulates the vital forces and the immune system.


What does Shiatsu do?

Shiatsu improves the blood circulation and fluid balance and enhances the client’s basic condition. This will ease physical symptoms, such as back pain, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, stress and insomnia, or even make them disappear. In case of chronic or unrecognised symptoms, the treatments help show the way to recovery. Shiatsu helps the body to become more conscious of body symptoms. Suppressed emotions and tensions are released, restoring the free flow of life energy throughout the body. Shiatsu has a healing effect and helps people adjust to major lifestyle changes. After an accident or trauma, the treatments will help stimulate recovery. People who are used to demanding a lot from their bodies, such as dancers or actors, learn how to achieve deep relaxation, resulting in a greater ability to concentrate. The same applies to hyperactive children who have trouble dealing with stimuli.




For professional athletes the therapy stimulates relaxation of muscles and mind. The strain that builds up prior to a competition is easier to handle, helping to improve an athlete’s focus before and during a competition. Shiatsu also stimulates deep relaxation after the competition, allowing the athlete to release the flow of emotions and prepare for the next challenge.


How does Shiatsu work?

The focus of a Shiatsu treatment is on the human being and their life energy, known as ‘Ki’ in Japanese. This energy flows through the body along energy channels, or meridians. Too much or not enough Ki will lead to an imbalance, which may cause physical and emotional symptoms. At every session, oriental diagnosis techniques are used to determine blockages in the energy channels. These blockages are released by massaging pressure points, rotating joints and stretching. Depending on the symptoms, it may take a number of sessions to gain the maximum benefit. Shiatsu helps to recover a smooth energy flow throughout the body, resulting in a restored natural balance. A session may include exercises and suggestions on diet and lifestyle. During the treatment a client will lie on a futon (Japanese mattress) and remain fully clothed.


Many health insurance companies cover Shiatsu therapy. A full list can be found on  www.iokai-shiatsu.org.