What is Shiatsu?

The word Shiatsu in Japanese means “pressure with the thumb”, if we translate it literally. This means the pressure on the specific area or point of the body so that there can be a healing reaction of the body of the receiver. Healing means the amplification of those powers of the organism that will restore the lost balance of our system. Apart from the pressure with the thumb in Shiatsu, we also press with the other fingers, with the whole palm, fist, forearm, elbow, knee and foot.

The efficiency of a good Shiatsu is felt when an experienced and thoroughly trained practitioner does it.

Such a practitioner should have the following characteristics:

• Calmness and fluency during the performance of the techniques
• Ability to distinguish fine differences through touching
• Knowledge of the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its application for prognosis and good advice

Who is Shiatsu for?

Everyone needs Shiatsu, because everyone needs the balance and strengthening that it gives. Nobody is in perfect harmony. You do not have to be ill to start Shiatsu, although when you are sick Shiatsu can help in many ways. Even the most simple, basic Shiatsu by someone with elementary knowledge helps when you are stressed. Shiatsu can be particularly useful in the following situations:

• Low energy levels
• Increase of the awareness of the body
• Release of tension and deep relaxation
• Relief from pain
• Strengthening of the immune system
• Common ailments such as cold, headaches, digestive problems etc.
• Increase of flexibility
• Injuries from physical activities and other muscular and bone problems (spine and joint problems)
• Improvement of psychological state and emotional balance
• Improvement of sexual life
• Regulation of the menstruation cycle
• Harmonising body, mind and spirit