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Shiatsu Massage has evolved since its creation, and different styles exist. These can include an extra focus on meditation, dietary guidance, water Shiatsu, Acupuncture, and breathing techniques. All Shiatsu styles use similar massage techniques, including:

Pressure

Applying pressure along or against muscles releases a build-up of toxins within the body. Used in many massage techniques, pressure helps a therapist identify problem areas, and re-aligns muscles in a healthy manner. In shiatsu, pressure also removes blockages along the meridians, allowing the Qi to resume a proper flow, which benefits the entire body.

Kneading

The thumbs, fingers, and heel of palms are used to repetitively knead muscles in a slow motion – similar to the motion of kneading bread. This helps to relieve any tension in the muscles and makes them more pliable. The repetitive motion also works out knots, and breaks down scar tissue.

Tapping

Quick finger tapping stimulates muscles, particularly in tender areas such as the face. The same technique can be used with fists for larger areas, like the back or glutes. This helps to engage sluggish muscles and improves nerve function. It also helps a patient identify muscles that may be more dormant.

Which conditions does Shiatsu Massage treat?

Shiatsu Massage is used to treat a range of ailments, including the following:

• Headaches or migraines
• Menstrual pain
• Digestive issues
• Insomnia
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Stress or anxiety
• Chronic pain (such as lower back, neck and joint)
• Arthritis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Strains, sprains and sports injuries

Shiatsu Massage is used to treat a range of ailments, including the following:

• Headaches or migraines
• Menstrual pain
• Digestive issues
• Insomnia
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Stress or anxiety
• Chronic pain (such as lower back, neck and joint)
• Arthritis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Strains, sprains and sports injuries

Like other massages, Shiatsu Massage involves varying levels of pressure on a patient’s muscles, and this can cause different levels of discomfort. If a patient has never had one of these massages before, this discomfort can be confronting. It utilises a nurturing touch philosophy (gentler than others), so any pain experienced should be the ‘good’ type of pain, such as the feeling of tension leaving the body. Unlike other massage techniques, it does not use oil, and therapists instead work through the patient’s clothing. This can cause a feeling of extra stimulation or tingling, as the skin is being worked with more vigour. A patient should leave a massage session feeling more relaxed, and more energised.

During the session, the patient may also experience a build-up or release of emotions. Shiatsu is designed to heal the mental and emotional state, as well as the physical, and this may feel overwhelming during the session. Remembering to focus on breathing patterns during a massage is a good way to alleviate this feeling, as is asking the therapist if you can take a quick break.

Choosing a Shiatsu Massage therapist can be challenging, especially if you have never received the treatment before.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Qualifications: Ensure you select a qualified, nationally accredited Shiatsu Massage therapist with formal qualifications.
• Current knowledge: Check whether your therapist is well-versed in current research. Make sure your chosen therapist is up-to-date on the latest techniques and practices.
• Expertise relevant to your condition: Therapists will complete an assessment before applying any treatment. This will ensure that they target and address the specific problem quickly.
• Cleanliness: Ensure your therapist’s treatment room is clean and presented professionally.

Once you’ve found a potential Shiatsu Massage therapist, it’s worth asking them the following questions to ensure they are credible and a good fit for you.

• Are you currently registered with a professional association?
• What is the level of your training?
• How long did you study for? To practice in Australia, massage therapists must have a minimum Diploma qualification (between 12-18 months of study) and have completed clinical and practical training components on campus. Massage companies should inform you beforehand if a therapist has less experience than a year, or is still a student. Many therapists will have their qualifications framed and displayed around their treatment areas.

Knowing what to expect from your first appointment is helpful, as it does differ from other massages. Things to know before your first session include:

• Wear loose, light clothing. This massage style doesn’t incorporate oils, and therapists don’t expect patients to remove their clothing. For the massage to be effective, light clothing is best. Undergarments such as bras may be removed from under the clothing when you arrive, as they can hinder massage strokes.
• A 5-10 minute consultation is common when you arrive. Shiatsu focuses on healing the entire body through energy realignment as well as physical massage, so the more the therapist knows, the better. The therapist will ask you about any old or recurring injuries/problem areas, as well as areas you would like them to focus on. It’s important to let any massage therapist know of any past injuries, as they can create scar tissue build-up.
• The therapist may also ask about your current levels of stress or energy, sleeping patterns, eating habits, and the general routine of your life. This helps them determine any patterns of imbalance, and design the most effective massage therapy for you.
• As Shiatsu focuses on the flow of Qi throughout the whole body, areas you may not expect, such as the face, jaw, and ears, may also be incorporated into your session.
• As talking can help to release emotions and re-align your Qi, your therapist may encourage talking during the session. It is up to you how comfortable you are doing this, or if you would prefer quiet.
• There will be a certain level of discomfort during your session. If it is your first time, your Qi may be blocked, and your body will be holding tension. Excessive pain is not to be expected, but a high level of discomfort can occur. You always have the option to ask your therapist to pause, or use less pressure in certain areas.
• The therapist will tell you to drink a lot of water after your appointment, and to avoid alcohol and cigarettes for a day or so. This is to ensure the toxins released from your muscles during the massage are flushed out of your system properly, and don’t build up.
• It is normal to experience soreness, stiffness and headaches a day or two after a massage. In any massage, as blood circulation increases, nutrients are delivered to your muscles. This can cause a type of inflammation, especially if you are not used to Shiatsu. Soreness is a physical response to the inflammation this stimulation can cause. You may also experience emotional release, as Shiatsu Massage is about healing your entire body, not just the physical aspect.

Lastly, you can expect at least some pain alleviation after your soreness has disappeared! While some areas of tension, particularly scar tissue, can take a while to break down, regular tight muscles should feel more relaxed in the week following your massage.