What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork. The term comes from the Japanese words "shi" and "atsu," meaning "finger pressure". Similar to acupressure and acupuncture, shiatsu concentrates on unblocking the flow of life energy ("Qi") and restoring balance in teh body in order to promote self-healing.

Shiatsu therapists apply comfortable, sustained pressure to acu-points and areas of muscle tension. Therapists may utilize their fingers, palms, elbows or knees to apply this pressure to their clients, who are typically fully clothed in a reclining position.

Shiatsu massage treats common psychological and physical complaints such as depression, anxiety, nausea , stiffness, headaches, arthritis, cramps, or pulled muscles. Traditionally, Shiatsu involves deep breathing, rotation and stretching of the joints, and stimulation of pressure points. Shiatsu acts to reduce pain, stimulate the immune system, Qi, blood and lymphatic flow, and generate a deep sense of harmony and relaxation in the patient.

What type of Shiatsu does ACTCM teach?

There are many different styles of Shiatsu that exist today. ACTCM's Shiatsu instructors are well-versed in the various styles of Shiatsu including those that concentrate on acupressure, those that emphasize general work along the meridians to influence the flow of qi, and those that highlight diagnostic systems such as Five Elements or the macrobiotic approach. ACTCM's instructors integrate each these different styles into what they term a "Classical" approach.