A. Shiatsu, meaning finger pressure, originated in Japan and is an amalgamation of a few different types of bodywork practiced there for centuries. The Japanese government licensed shiatsu as a distinct form of bodywork in 1955. The roots and theories behind shiatsu are literally thousands of years old, and are basically the same as the theories used for acupuncture. Shiatsu is sometimes called acupressure.

Q: How is shiatsu different from RMT or regular massage?

A: RMT is different from shiatsu in that its intent is mainly to manipulate soft tissue. The intent of shiatsu is to balance the flow of Qi in the meridians in the body and to improve the overall health (physical, mental, and spiritual) of the individual.

Q: Is shiatsu covered by insurance?

A: Shiatsu is becoming more popular with insurers, but you will have to check your individual policy to know if it is covered.

Q: What does shiatsu treat?

A: Shiatsu can help almost any condition. As a therapist I’ve had a particular amount of success in treating back pain, neck and shoulder pain and tension, stress, insomnia, asthma, depression, issues surrounding pregnancy, headaches, sciatica, and digestive problems. Shiatsu is also an excellent way to prevent illness or disease from occurring.

Q: Is shiatsu painful?

A: There can be a slight amount of discomfort when areas that are tense or ‘stuck’ are released. This is usually well within a client’s pain threshold, and the benefit is that these areas are no longer sore on a day to day basis after treatment. There are usually only a few of these areas on the body, and the experience of discomfort is a very small percentage of treatment time. As a therapist I prefer not to cause pain to clients, although some small amount of discomfort is sometimes necessary. I am able to work with individual preferences for pain tolerance.
 

Q: What is Earth Shiatsu?

A: Earth Shiatsu is one of a number of styles of shiatsu. It is a powerful approach which focuses on using the Qi of the earth to help restore the health of the client, and is a restorative and calming treatment.