In Japanese, Shiatsu means ‘finger pressure’ but shiatsu therapists also use thumbs, palms, heels of hands, forearms etc to apply the appropriate amount of pressure to the client receiving treatment.

Other techniques are utilised in a shiatsu treatment according to the needs of the client and include working with the breath, stretches, stillness, support, movement and articulation of joints, manipulation of muscular tissue and fascia.

Shiatsu is a body therapy based on touch and sensation and its Japanese roots can be seen in its Zen influences, including meditation, which encourages us to self-reflect and listen to our intuition. Shiatsu also has roots in Classical Chinese Medicine including the classical meridian pathways, Five Element Theory and the philosophy of Daoism.