What is Shiatsu?Shiatsu Japanese ‘finger pressure therapy’ is a natural healing discipline grounded in the same oriental tradition as acupuncture. Like acupuncture, Shiatsu works by stimulating the body’s vital energy flow (known as Ki or Chi) in order to maintain or improve health, often contributing to the cure of certain illnesses. In the treatment mainly the thumbs, fingers and palms of the hands are used to apply different qualities of pressure to certain points and energy lines, known as ‘meridians’. The client is fully and comfortably clothed and lies on a massage couch, is seated in a chair or lying in bed at home. A variety of techniques are used e.g. stretching, sustained pressure, mobilization of joints and soft tissue and gentle holding. Physically, this has the effect of stimulating the musculoskeletal, neural and hormonal systems and improves the circulation of all body fluids. Mentally, shiatsu allows the receiver to relax deeply. This engenders a feeling of calmness and well-being and improves the self-awareness of the body.