Shiatsu has its roots in Oriental medicine, taking a holistic view of the whole person (body, mind and spirit) and working with the network of energy that flows throughout the body. This energy is known as ‘Chi’ (usually pronounced “Chee”) in Chinese or ‘Ki’ (“Key”) in Japanese; acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and many other therapy and exercise systems work with this energy.

Shiatsu treatments are carried out with the receiver lying or sitting comfortably and fully-clothed, often using palms, thumbs and fingertips, with pressure that may be very light or stronger, depending on what is appropriate for the person at that time. Stretches and massage may also be used as part of the treatment, which aims to activate, relax and enliven the receiver’s own energy system.