Wellness Square

What is Shiatsu?  Shiatsu means “finger-pressure” and because it is like Acupuncture without the needles, it is often called “Acupressure”.

In about the mid-20th Century, Shiatsu separated from this larger discipline of Oriental medicine and gained recognition as a separate and distinct therapy in its own right.  Practitioner will explain that Shiatsu incorporates the theory of acupuncture, acupressure and other manual therapy techniques to balance the flow  of yin and yang energies within the body. Shiatsu theory proposes that energy, known as “Chi” (or “Ki”) moves through the body along well defined pathways called meridians.  For optimum health, these energies should be balanced. Shiatsu clients are usually clothed and resting on a mat during practice. Shiatsu has established a comparatively wide following worldwide because of its reputation for reducing stress, eliminating fatigue and alleviating a broad spectrum of symptoms such as back pain, neck and shoulder problems, headaches and even constipation and cramps.  Shiatsu’s procedures or applications while medicinal in their origin and intended to relieve illness or injury have expanded to enhance general health and well-being, now a major reason for its growth and popularity.