Key Facts About Shiatsu and Therapeutic Touch Sessions

Shiatsu (pronounced “she-AT-zoo”), Japanese for “finger pressure,” is a system of healing and health maintenance that originated in China over 3,000 years ago. Modern Shiatsu combines the philosophy and approach of traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine with western Chiropractic techniques.

Through pressure applied to specific points of the human body, Shiatsu stimulates or calms the energy flowing through the body to promote health and treat specific illnesses. Shiatsu, a holistic therapy, helps balance all four aspects of your well-being: body, mind, emotion, and spirit.

Therapeutic Touch

For clients who request it, I incorporate Therapeutic Touch into my sessions. In Therapeutic Touch–which actually involves very little direct contact with your body–I use my hands to assess and balance the energy field surrounding you. This promotes your natural ability to heal.

An article in the Annals of Internal Medicine reviewed 11 randomized, controlled trials of Therapeutic Touch and found that in seven of these studies patients reported positive effects. These effects included relief from tension headaches and enhanced wound healing. Research also suggests that Therapeutic Touch boosts the immune system in people who are highly stressed.

About Shiatsu Sessions

During a Shiatsu session you lie fully clothed on a soft floor mat. As your Shiatsu Therapist, I massage your body using my hands, fingers, elbows, knees, and feet. I also stretch and rotate your joints gently. If you have certain conditions, I may ask you to sit in a chair for part of the session.

It’s important to maintain a safe, relaxing atmosphere during your session. I usually play soothing music, unless you choose to do without it. You are free to talk or enjoy gentle silence. It is your treatment and I respect your preferences. A full treatment lasts 50 to 60 minutes, followed by some resting time. (You may also choose a 90-minute option.)

Normally I start by asking questions to get a picture of your health. Questions have to do with present complaints, past medical history, lifestyle, food habits, exercise, relaxation, and anything else that may be significant.

Then I perform a touch assessment to determine the quality of your life force energy. I palpate your abdomen very gently to detect areas of fullness and of low energy in the 12 channels that run through the body. To discover energy imbalances I also may observe your posture, mannerisms, skin color, gait, and voice tone.

Shiatsu and Energy Flow

After conducting your assessment I use a number of techniques to balance the flow of life force energy, known as “ki.” (It is pronounced “key” in Japanese and Korean. In Mandarin it is called “chee,” which when transliterated into our alphabet is spelled “qi.”) This life force energy flows through the body along well-defined passageways called meridians or channels, which contain acupoints that influence the flow of ki. Interruptions and blockages along the channels reduce your energy.

A balanced energy flow is essential for health and well-being. When you are healthy the ki flows freely and uniformly throughout your body. Imbalances occur for various reasons (physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental) such as eating poorly, being anxious, or breathing in carbon monoxide. I seek to restore the smooth flow of ki so that all bodily structures and functions operate in harmony.

Preparing to Receive Shiatsu

• Bring or wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as cotton sweat pants and a T-shirt.
• Do not eat a heavy meal, drink alcohol, exercise strenuously, use a sauna or hot tub, or take a hot bath one to two hours before or after a treatment.
• If you wear contacts or hearing aids, please consider not wearing them or removing them for the treatment, if possible.
• Arrange your schedule so that you do not have to rush and can arrive on time.
• On the day of your session, please refrain from wearing perfumes, fragrant body lotions, or colognes. Strong fragrances linger in the treatment area and can bother clients with chemical sensitivities and allergies.
• Each time you receive a treatment please inform me of any changes in present- or past-diagnosed conditions, injuries, or medications.

What to Expect at the End of a Session

Usually at the end of a session you will feel relaxed and energized, with a sense of calm. You may even feel lethargic or in need of a long sleep. Generally you will notice an increase in flexibility and a decrease in muscular aches and pains. Shiatsu treatment sometimes affect the emotions, as well.

After blockages that have been impeding the healing process are removed, you will notice changes over the next days and weeks on both a conscious and subconscious level. The result will be a sense of vibrancy and freedom. To help the healing continue I may give you advice on diet, lifestyle, environment, or attitude.

A Team Approach

As your Shiatsu practitioner I work with you in a team approach using my skills, knowledge, resources, and insight. My job is to address any energy imbalances, support the healing process, and restore your life to wholeness. Your job is to allow the time for Shiatsu treatments.

Although you can expect to receive immediate benefits from one session, I recommend an initial series of four sessions over a month to six weeks. Then we can evaluate the treatments’ effect on your conditions and make an ongoing maintenance plan. For maintaining overall health and well-being, I recommend that clients have Shiatsu sessions every two to four weeks.