Shiatsu

What it is

Shiatsu is a modern form of Japanese massage and acupressure which aims to restore equilibrium to the body. 'Shi' translates from Japanese as 'fingers’, and 'atsu' as ‘pressure,’ so the technique works by ‘applying pressure to the body with the fingers'. Practitioners use their thumbs, knuckles, fingers and palms and sometimes elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure to specific points of the body to stimulate the meridians, the body’s energy pathways. Where there’s a block, we feel tension and/or pain. Shiatsu aims to free your energy flow, helping you feel deeply relaxed and rebalanced. It began to gain popularity in Europe in the 1970s and is now widely practised here. Regular sessions are said to ward off stress and disease.

What it does

Shiatsu doesn’t focus on curing a problem but on restoring balance and wellbeing so that the body can heal itself. It is said to be particularly effective at treating conditions triggered by emotional distress or stress such as insomnia, IBS and depression. It may also alleviate back pain, headaches, repetitive strain injury and sports injuries.

How you feel

You’ll be invited into a room with a comfortable mat or futon in the centre of the floor where the shiatsu practitioner is able to fully use his or her body weight when applying pressure, if required. If it’s your first visit, a detailed case history will be taken.

Once you’re lying on the mat (or sitting on a chair if unable to lie down), the practitioner begins to ‘read’ your body, sensing where your energy is blocked and working there to release the tension. Each session is tailored, often beginning with gentle stretching and manipulation to help stimulate energy around your system and relax the muscles. It can also include gentle holding and pressing with palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet. Sometimes the pressure can be gentle and calming; other times stimulating. The amount and type of pressure depends on your needs. Rotating and stretching the limbs is also common. As you surrender to the experience, the more relaxed and peaceful you’ll feel. You don’t have to do anything - everything is done to you.

What you should know

Wear loose, warm, comfortable clothing - preferably cotton - so that the therapist can manipulate you with ease. Try not to eat a big meal before the treatment. Afterwards, drink plenty of water to help the flow of changes through your system and, if you can, rest. A session typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, though can be longer.

There are many different styles of shiatsu, from the mechanical to the mystical. Some concentrate exclusively on acupressure points. Others emphasise more general work on the body or along the meridians. Zen shiatsu, for example, works on the whole being, helping the person being treated develop their innate self-healing. But all are based on traditional Chinese medicine.

The cost

The cost varies according to the therapist’s qualification(s), experience, and the length of the treatment. But expect to pay around £35 for an hour. Final year students at shiatsu schools often offer treatments at a reduced fee, while less experienced students usually need volunteers to practice on. Expect to pay around £10 more if you’d like a home visit where offered.

The availability

Offered nationwide by private practitioners, health/leisure centres, beauty salons, spas and shiatsu schools.