What is Shiatsu?

Joy Taylor Practices Shiatsu in Sheffield UK.

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese restorative massage developed in Japan, which has spread worldwide. The 1915 Japanese book, Shiatsu Rycho authored by Tenpaku Tamai is just about the first written reference to modern Shiatsu. However, Tokujiro Namikoshi’s (1905-2000) followers consider him to be the founder of Shiatsu.

Shiatsu regulates your nerve fibres and promotes healing by stimulating chemical responses within you. The therapeutic effect comes from the belief that Shiatsu triggers the production of hormones and the entire body chemicals important to heal, to soothe, and make your mind and body perform optimally.

Shiatsu has been given official recognition from the EU Parliament also. It is one of eight non-conventional, complementary medicine disciplines mentioned in the Collins Report, that has been adopted from the European Parliament in May 1997 (see references).

You can find 838 basic shiatsu pressure points, called Atten in Japanese. These points are available on the muscles, nerves, arteries and, lymph vessels, bones, and endocrine glands. Because therapy progresses, the therapist senses the health of the entire body, and applies suitable types of pressure. The cornerstone rule is the fact that, tighter the muscles are, the lighter the pressure. Since the muscles relax, the pressure becomes deeper but it’s always firm and steady. Knuckles, fists, elbows, and knees are never used during a Namikoshi Shiatsu Treatment when they lack the specified sensitivity.

Note:The info on this page is good for educational purposes only, and isn’t intended as health advice.

For those who have medical problems get hold of your doctor first.