Here is some information about the art of Shiatsu. I dont profess to be an expert but I have some knowledge, which I want to share with you.

The various techniques of shiatsu are simple but can also have great impact. We all know of the healing power of touch, which began in our childhood with statements such as mummy will rub it better, well shiatsu is just another form of touch.

Shiatsu, which originated in Japan, uses the power of touch and pressure to assist in both emotional and physical healing. A definition of shiatsu, which was passed on to me, is the healing art of shiatsu uses physical pressure and meridian stretches to work on the bodys energetic systems to promote health and spiritual well-being. Great definition but for some it may be a little difficult to fully understand so I will try to make things a little clearer.

Shiatsu basically uses the power of touch and pressure to assist the body heal itself. This is done by the practitioner using pressure via thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees, feet etc to provide very deep relaxation, which in turn gives a feeling of well-being. It has some similarities to the art of acupuncture, which works on the bodys energy system made up of a network of energy pathways.

It is said that energy called Ki, in Japanese, flows throughout the body like rivers and canals. There may be blockages to these rivers and canals, which in turn causes a variety of weaknesses creating physical symptoms.

Shiatsu makes use of pressure at certain points on the body along these energy pathways and tries to unblock these areas. Shiatsu is also a very practical form of touch as it can be performed without the removal of clothes. It also does not require any special equipment other than a mat or blanket to lie on.

Someone who knows the basics of shiatsu can help to ease general aches and pains. In Japan it is widely used as a home treatment and it is becoming more prevalent in western society, as it can do a great deal to strengthen relationships and relieve the stress of modern day life.

Shiatsu like other natural therapies is more concerned with preventative measures by keeping the body healthy, flexible and in balance. Stretching exercises and points to press on various parts of their body may be homework given to the patient to assist their body get back into balance. I have been told that shiatsu is very good in treating headaches, back pain, muscular stiffness and some forms of arthritis. It can also help treat the digestive, circulatory, respiratory and reproductive systems.

Like many other disciplines shiatsu has its own history during which individuals have developed their own styles. Todays shiatsu encourages people to be more aware of their body and emotional state and to also treat themselves. The emphasis is on finding the underlying cause of the health problem and seeking to influence it through the bodys energy pathways. There are more and more people looking to this as an alternative to taking pills, which as we know can create other side effects when introduced into the body.

People who have had a shiatsu treatment state that they feel very relaxed and invigorated with increased get up and go. Others have said that they had a sense of well-being and peace. Practitioners have stated that they are only the catalyst that guides the body, mind and spirit to stimulate the patients self-healing.

Massage and shiatsu have a common ground as they both use touch to encourage the body to let go, relax and commence regenerating itself. Both techniques if used by a person with knowledge and experience can bring relief to others sometimes in a way, which is unexplained by todays science.

Often students of shiatsu begin as patients and upon finding that it provides a framework for self-understanding decide to study it and become a practitioner.

I hope that I have been able to provide you with an insight into what shiatsu is and what it can do. In essence shiatsu works simply and gently by using the bodies own energy system to heal itself. As you can see the power of touch has many forms but in essence it can be used to great effect to improve our own lives as well as that of our family and friends.

To your healing powers.