Shiatsu, literally meaning “finger pressure”, is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing art.  Masunaga Shiatsu, also known as Zen Shiatsu, is a unique bodywork which developed its own practice and evaluation system based on Asian traditions which consider all things as manifestations of a vital universal life force called Chi (Qi  in Chinese and Ki  in Japanese).  Qi  is also present in other Asian methods like Qigong or T’ai chi ch’uan.

A person’s physical, psychological and mental state of being is an expression of the distribution and flow of Qi.  A free flow of Qi  is reflected by a good balance of your whole condition.  Nervousness, headaches, insomnia, tension, anxiety, digestive problems, fatigue, grief, isolation, restless thinking, or general restlessness could be expressions of an imbalance of the flow of Qi.

A primary objective in Masunaga Shiatsu is to encourage and stimulate and support the free flow of Qi  through the body, especially along the so-called meridians.  Meridians are also the location of acupuncture/accupressure points and can be thought of as “channels” which provide the best access to the energetic system of the body.

Depending on your constitution and general energy levels, I will use a variety of techniques to improve your vital energy flow. These may include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and stretches.

Shiatsu is a deep yet gentle form of body and energy work where pressure is applied through shifting bodyweight of the Shiatsu Therapist on his palm, thumbs, ellbows and evtl. knees to stimulate the Qi  flow of the clients meridian system and still being open to the body responds of the client.