| Shiatsu is an internationally known and used | | | | improves concentration and mental focus. A client |
| effective method of naturally healing. Basic shiatsu | | | | usually lies on a massage table, soft matting or |
| was founded in Japan in the early 1900's by | | | | seated in a chair, the practitioner applies pressure |
| Tokujiro Namikoshi, and the name comes from | | | | to the entire body and may pay extra attention |
| the words "shi" which means the thumbs and | | | | to any problematic areas. Occasionally, if there is |
| fingers and "atsu" meaning pressure. At the | | | | a specific problem spot, the treatment would be |
| tender age on seven, Namikoshi starting pressing | | | | more localized. Depending on the nature of the |
| and stroking in other joints to help alleviate the | | | | condition of a client, the treatment is usually less |
| pain from what we now call rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | than an hour. |
| He developed sensitivity to temperature and skin | | | | Its non-invasive application render it extremely |
| condition and also to stiffness and realized that | | | | beneficial for everyone. From the elderly, to |
| the best response came when he applied | | | | children, including pregnant women or people with |
| pressure 80% of the time and rubbed 20%. He | | | | injuries or illnesses. People can benefit from |
| studied anatomy and opened his first shiatsu | | | | shiatsu even when they are not ill as shiatsu is |
| institute in 1925, in 1940 it became national and | | | | the balancing of energies and strengthening vitality |
| has been practiced under Japan's national health | | | | and it is the increasing of these energy levels the |
| act since 1955 and from the 1970s onward, basic | | | | help reduces stress related symptoms such as |
| shiatsu has spread in popularity worldwide. | | | | tension and anxiety. |
| Basic shiatsu is completely safe natural method | | | | People find they have more stamina, better |
| therapy. Using the thumbs, fingers and palms of | | | | posture and circulation and generally feel better all |
| the hand, pressure is applied to various parts for | | | | over. Regular shiatsu helps the body heal itself and |
| the body by stroking and pressing. It relaxes the | | | | many find it relieves daily symptoms of our hectic |
| nervous system and can help improve health by | | | | lifestyle such as fatigue, headache, indigestion, |
| stimulating the body's recuperative powers. It is | | | | general aches and pains and PMS. |
| of great benefit in aiding recovery and | | | | Basic shiatsu will leave the person feeling relaxed |
| rehabilitation after illness or accident and can also | | | | and re-energized. The more regular the |
| help reduce the effects of stress, which can | | | | treatments the long the effects will last and the |
| cause serious illnesses. Shiatsu is a natural form of | | | | more impact it will have on your body and in fact |
| treatment for the body without the use of drugs. | | | | your daily life. |
| Shiatsu is also used to prevent illness and injury, | | | | |