Translated from Japanese, the word Shiatsu (she-’at-soo) means finger pressure. Experience Zen Shiatsu at Nature’s Way massage, a needle-free version of acupuncture that delivers deep relaxation and healing. Instead of oils and stroking movements, massage uses gentle stretching and deep pressure, covering both broad areas and specific points along defined lines or meridians. These movements promote free flow of Chi or energy. Our skilled therapists at Nature’s Way massage work with the body’s signals and adjust the treatment accordingly. The treatment leaves one feeling profoundly relaxed, in “balance” and with less tightness and pain. We recommend you wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing, and you will be lying on a futon on the floor. (although a massage table is always an option).
Shiatsu
To find out more about Shiatsu, visit the Shiatsu Therapy Association of B.C. and watch the two videos below.
Shiatsu is rooted in over 3,500 years of Asian medical knowledge. Originally developed as a Chinese massage, it later spread to Japan and evolved alongside Western medicine throughout the previous century worldwide. Today, it is practiced worldwide and addresses the body’s physical, emotional, and energy systems. The concept of balance comes from traditional Oriental healing, with shiatsu aiming to harmonize opposing yin and yang qualities, hot and cold. While shiatsu respects the Oriental view of mind and body as one, it simultaneously incorporates Western principles of anatomy, physiology, pathology. In essence, it represents a complementary blending of Eastern and Western approaches.Here is a link to the Shiatsu Therapy Association of B.C. to find out more. One of the great aspects of shiatsu is that both the therapist and the receiver remain completely relaxed throughout the session. I align my body carefully to apply perpendicular pressure, using my own body weight to provide effective, safe, and deep therapy. However, working on a massage table is often less effective and less comfortable for my body compared to traditional shiatsu techniques. The technique creates a two-way connection: as you feel gentle pressure, you relax while supporting my body weight naturally. Additionally, by moving through layers and sensing your responses, I adjust pressure continuously, something massage chairs cannot replicate or imitate accurately. I begin with broad palm pressure and gradually transition to focused thumb pressure along the meridians, correcting any energy or physical imbalances. At times, I also use my knees, elbows, or even feet to provide deeper, more targeted pressure where required. Some extended health insurance plans cover shiatsu, and moreover, professional associations representing shiatsu practitioners continue to advocate for broader coverage by additional insurance providers. Consequently, many of my clients who have experienced both registered massage therapy and registered shiatsu therapy report that the deeper, more relaxing shiatsu treatments often provide longer-lasting benefits. You will feel an awareness of your tightness and soreness as I work, and consequently, you will feel releasing and easing of the pressure. Ultimately, it should always be a pleasant sensation and never continue in a way that makes you flinch or feel very uncomfortable in any way. Firstly, it can help prevent problems. Additionally, regular shiatsu can keep you in balance so you don’t break down, injure yourself, or get sick. Moreover, many people who have developed conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, stress or exercise-related muscle tension, headaches, emotional problems, and respiratory or digestive problems experience significant benefits from shiatsu treatments.
Where does Shiatsu come from?
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