Shiatsu is a combination of many different techniques including pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibrating, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, rolling, and brushing. A series of gentle stretches, joint manipulations, and noninvasive pressure applied to the points will balance the flow of vital energy through the body, thus stimulating the body's natural healing ability. A combination
of pressures applied by the palms, thumbs, elbows, and sometimes the knees
are used. But these are merely the physical techniques. With an awareness of psychological and spiritual implications, shiatsu has become a kind of dance between giver and receiver. A unique rapport develops between the practitioner and client because shiatsu relies on the simple but powerful experience of touch to awaken the client's own self-healing powers. This "touch communication" between practitioner and client is the foundation to all healing methods. The practitioner uses gentleness, fluidity, and rhythmical motion to work with the imbalances in the client's Qi to restore the natural healing flow.
Although Shiatsu is a holistic treatment encompassing the mind, body,
and spirit, on a physical level it can have the effect of improving the
circulation and the flow of lymph. Shiatsu also works directly on
the central nervous system promoting relaxation, calmness, and a sense
of well-being.
