What Is Shiatsu

I get asked this question alot! What follows is the long answer… for those of you who are new to Shiatsu therapy.

Introduced to North America over 30 years ago, Shiatsu is a gentle yet powerful physical therapy and healing art originating from Japan. It is based on over 5,000 years of Oriental medical wisdom. Shiatsu relieves stress and prevents illness by balancing the flow of energy in the body; improving your vitality and immunity. Literally translated, ‘Shiatsu’ means ‘finger pressure’. It shares the same theoretical foundation as acupuncture, although no needles are used. The main technique involves the systematic application of comfortable, manual pressure to specific areas of the body. This restores normal circulation of vital energy throughout the body. Vital energy or “Ki”, (as it is known in Japanese), follows specific pathways in the body that form a dynamic interplay between the function of internal organs and soft tissue. The main effect of treatment is to provide a regulatory influence on the involuntary (or autonomic) nervous system, thereby promoting improved organ function and reduced muscle pain & tension. In a broad sense, Shiatsu focuses on improving the overall condition of the body by stimulating its ability to recuperate from stress and restore balance.

As a result of treatment, you can feel increased vitality and well-being. Your body can more easily unwind from its own individual pattern of tension and stress. You may notice that you begin to function with greater ease as tense muscles relax, digestion improves, headaches are relieved, you sleep better and have more energy in your day-to-day life.

Massage and Shiatsu therapy share numerous things in common, yet they’re distinctly different. Clearly, they are both manual, hands-on therapies. They each combine a variety of direct manipulation techniques specific to their discipline, including assisted stretching. Both are proven effective in reducing stress, pain and tension; promoting relaxation, increased vitality and recovery from injury.

Although common in a Massage treatment, no lotions or oils are typically used in Shiatsu and it is applied through comfortable clothing or a sheet. Unlike Massage, Shiatsu is performed on a soft mat or a low table. Although both therapies stimulate many of the same systems in the body, each has its own primary effects. Shiatsu exerts a more direct influence on the nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems. Through a complex network of reflex areas and channels, Shiatsu treatment addresses internal imbalance and underlying causes of muscular pain and tension. By stimulating your body’s internal housekeeping function, Shiatsu treatment allows your body to tap into its powerful self-healing ability.

Massage therapy on the other hand, exerts a more direct influence on the soft tissue and circulatory systems. Grounded in western physiology and orthopaedics, Massage focuses on the manipulation of soft-tissue to normalize and improve function of the musculo-skeletal system. As well, it improves circulation; increasing oxygen and elimination of waste products in tissues. Massage treatment assists in recovery from injury, pain and tension and improves your overall well-being.

These two health professions also have similar scopes of practice. Registered Massage Therapists and Certified Shiatsu Therapists are both graduates of a 2200 hour professional training program in Ontario. They share extensive study in the western sciences and clinical practice. Massage therapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario, governed by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Shiatsu therapy is not yet regulated. The Shiatsu Therapy Association of Ontario exists as a self-governing body, to uphold high standards of education and practice in this unregulated profession. These are the highest standards found anywhere outside of Japan. Only active members of this association can use the ‘CST’ professional designation to differentiate themselves from other, lesser-trained Shiatsu therapists.

Both therapies are appropriate for treating and managing a wide-range of health conditions. So how do you decide which one is best for you? A therapist can help you make the best choice but also let your body be the guide. Notice how you feel during and after a treatment. You may find you respond well to both therapies and enjoy aspects of each one. Alternating between the two therapies may work best for you. Whatever your choice may be, it is equally important to feel safe and comfortable with your therapist. The therapeutic relationship you have with them is a key factor in your healing process.