Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning finger (shi), and pressure (atsu). It is a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and western anatomy. A meridian system that runs through the body dictates the ebb and flow of a good Shiatsu session. Yin/Yang is very important in Shiatsu, and many of the lessons are directly related to a yin or yang principle. Although the roots of these principles date back thousands of years and include ideals of Taoism, Shiatsu as we know it today was "invented" in the 1910's by Tokujiro Namikoshi, when he used meridian points to help his mother from rheumatoid arthritis pain.

 

Zen Shiatsu is done on a mat on the floor or on a low height Shiatsu table. There are no oils or lotions used and the client stays fully clothed. The Therapist uses percussion, point pressure, kneading, softening, and stretching unlike a Swedish massage with long strokes and oils.  I am available for floor, seated, and table shiatsu.  It is a very relaxing massage, manipulating points along the meridian system, freeing and unblocking energy, or Chi (Chinese), and refreshing the mind, body, and soul. It is an EXCELLENT way to introduce the health and wellness benefits of massage.

 

The client will benefit with feeling an increase of energy flow, relaxed, rejuvenated, free, energized, and supple.  Shiatsu makes me feel alive, awake, aware, tall, proud, confident, powerful, and superior.  Just like yin and yang, this one will leave you feeling both relaxed and awake.