
Shiatsu: Traditional Japanese Acupressure Therapy
The word "Shiatsu" (指圧) translates to "finger pressure" in Japanese. For centuries, the Japanese have practised acupressure on one another to relax, maintain health, and strengthen interpersonal bonds. Over time, these techniques were passed down through generations, evolving into what we now recognise as Shiatsu, a revered traditional healing art.
Table of Content

Key Benefits of Shiatsu
%20(53).png)
Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Shiatsu promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system and reducing cortisol levels (stress hormones). This can help alleviate anxiety, mental tension, and improve overall well-being.
%20(46).png)
Enhanced Flexibility
and Mobility
The stretching techniques used in Shiatsu help improve joint mobility and muscle flexibility. It can be especially beneficial for those suffering from stiffness or limited range of motion.
%20(49).png)
Improved Mental Focus and Emotional Balance
By reducing tension and promoting relaxation, Shiatsu can help clear the mind, improving concentration and emotional balance.
%20(52).png)
Pain Relief
By applying pressure to specific points on the body, Shiatsu can alleviate muscle tension, reduce joint pain, and provide relief from conditions such as headaches, neck pain, back pain, and arthritis.
%20(44).png)
Balancing Energy (Qi)
Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shiatsu works to balance the body's energy, or "Qi." This energy balance is believed to promote harmony between the mind, body, and spirit, leading to greater overall health.
%20(50).png)
Better Sleep
Regular Shiatsu sessions can help regulate sleep patterns, reduce insomnia, and promote deeper, more restful sleep by reducing stress and promoting relaxation
%20(47).png)
Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Flow
Shiatsu stimulates blood circulation and improves lymphatic flow, which helps in the elimination of toxins, supports the immune system, and promotes tissue healing.
%20(51).png)
Boosted Immune System
Shiatsu can stimulate the body's natural healing abilities by encouraging the movement of energy and circulation, helping to boost immune function and support resistance to illness.
How does Shiatsu differ from other types of massage?
Unlike traditional Western massage, which primarily focuses on muscles and tissues, Shiatsu targets specific pressure points along the body’s meridians. The practitioner applies pressure using fingers, palms, elbows, and sometimes even knees, aiming to balance the body's energy and stimulate natural healing.
_edited.jpg)

Frequently
Asked
Questions(FAQs)

My Styles of Shiatsu:
The Techniques I Practice
Keiraku (Meridian) Shiatsu
In Keiraku Shiatsu, "Keiraku"refers to the meridians—energy channels that run just beneath the skin, between the skin and muscles. This energy, known as "Ki" in Japanese and "Qi" in Chinese, is considered to be the life force or vital energy that governs all physiological, mental, and emotional functions. Each meridian is associated with a specific internal Organ, such as the Heart, Spleen, or Kidneys*. Beyond their physiological roles, these meridians also have psychological, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions that influence all aspects of human activity. *Please note that the concept of Organs in Chinese medicine differs from that in Western medicine. Keiraku Shiatsu is a hands-on therapy designed to heal and prevent ailments, correct imbalances, and promote overall health by promoting the proper flow of energy through the meridians.
_edited.jpg)
Seiki Shiatsu
Seiki Shiatsu is grounded in the same principles as Keiraku Shiatsu, incorporating concepts such as Meridians, Oriental medicine's Organ theories, and vertical perpendicular acupressure driven from the "Hara" (the lower abdomen, similar to the "Dan Tian" in Chinese practice). However, Seiki Shiatsu delves deeper into the mechanisms of "Ki". "Seiki" translates to "vital energy" or "life force," representing the innate healing power that everyone possesses. However, this energy is often dormant or suppressed due to various factors such as lifestyle and stress. The core of Seiki Shiatsu practice is awakening and releasing this "Seiki" to enhance natural healing power and treat various ailments. In Oriental medicine, "Seiki" is considered a primordial force, the state of existence before it divides into "Yin" and "Yang"—the two opposing and complementary forces that form the foundation of the universe and everything within it. A Seiki Shiatsu practitioner employs a unique Seiki Method, combining acupressure techniques, focused intention, and structural alignment to connect with and awaken the Seiki within the patient. The effects of Seiki Shiatsu are transformative and revitalising, making it one of the most powerful healing methods I have encountered.

For more information about Seiki Shiatsu, visit www.seikishiatsu.org

The History of Shiatsu
01
_edited.jpg)
From Han Dynasty Texts to Japanese Anma: The Evolution of Chinese Medicine in Japan
The roots of traditional Chinese medicine were introduced to Japan as early as the 6th century, with influences from ancient Chinese texts such as those from the Han Dynasty. These teachings formed the foundation of Japan’s medical practices and gave rise to Anma, a traditional Japanese massage technique derived from Chinese Anmo (massage and bodywork techniques). Anma, which focuses on kneading and pressing techniques to enhance circulation and relieve tension, became a key part of Japan’s therapeutic approach. Over centuries, Anma was refined and eventually evolved into what we now know as Shiatsu. While Anma concentrated primarily on physical manipulation, Shiatsu integrated concepts of energy (Qi or Ki) and meridians, leading to a more holistic approach to health. This fusion of Chinese medical theory with Japanese innovations helped shape Shiatsu into a distinct practice, reflecting Japan’s unique adaptation and evolution of traditional Chinese healing methods.
02
The Decline of Anma During the Edo Era: From Therapeutic Practice to Relaxation
During the Edo era (1603–1868), the role of Anma in Japanese healthcare began to shift. Once a central therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, Anma gradually lost its status as a medical treatment and became more associated with relaxation and leisure. This change was influenced by the increasing regulation of medical practices and the emergence of more formalised systems of healthcare. As Western medicine began to gain influence in Japan, Anma was relegated to the role of a relaxation massage, practiced largely by the blind and seen as a service more for comfort than for treatment. Despite its decline as a therapeutic modality, Anma's techniques were preserved and later formed the foundation of modern Shiatsu. The shift in focus from therapy to relaxation marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Japanese bodywork, setting the stage for the development of Shiatsu as a holistic healing practice in the 20th century.
_edited.jpg)
03
_edited.jpg)
Shiatsu in the 20th Century: From Decline to Scientific Integration
In the early 20th century, Shiatsu emerged as a distinct practice, designed to revitalise remedial acupressure and address specific illnesses within the framework of Oriental medicine. Despite its initial promise, Shiatsu faced a decline as Western medicine and scientific approaches gained prominence in Japan. The situation was further exacerbated after World War II when the US proposed legislation to ban traditional medicine. During this period, Shiatsu, particularly in its Namikoshi form, evolved to align with scientific principles and modern physiology, distancing itself from traditional concepts like Qi and Meridians.
04
Mainstream Shiatsu: Recognition and Evolution in Japan
Tokujiro Namikoshi, one of the key figures in this transformation, established the first Shiatsu Institute in 1925. He combined traditional Japanese massage techniques with a modern understanding of anatomy and physiology, creating a more structured, scientific approach to Shiatsu. Namikoshi emphasised the use of finger pressure on specific points to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and restore balance. In the 1950s, the Japanese government officially recognised Shiatsu as a legitimate therapeutic practice, distinguishing it from traditional massage. This recognition helped Shiatsu integrate with modern medical systems and opened the door for scientific research into its effectiveness. Over the decades, Shiatsu has become known as a holistic therapy that promotes both physical and emotional well-being, combining ancient wisdom with modern scientific knowledge. As Shiatsu gained momentum in the 20th century, it evolved from a traditional practice into a widely recognised therapeutic approach, both in Japan and internationally. In 1955, the Japanese Ministry of Health officially acknowledged Shiatsu as a distinct form of therapy, separate from traditional massage, which helped solidify its place within mainstream healthcare. Tokujiro Namikoshi played a crucial role in bringing Shiatsu to the forefront, combining modern scientific understanding with traditional healing techniques.
_edited.jpg)
05
_edited.jpg)
Keiraku Shiatsu: Reviving Classical Texts in a Modern Therapeutic Approach
In parallel, Shizuto Masunaga developed Keiraku (Meridian) Shiatsu, drawing on traditional Chinese Medicine and Meridian theories. This style, which later influenced what is known as Zen Shiatsu in the West, combines Masunaga’s background in psychology with his Shiatsu training from Namikoshi. His approach integrates principles from Chinese Medicine classics, bioscience, psychology, and clinical experience. Keiraku Shiatsu, also known as Iokai Shiatsu—named after Masunaga’s institute (Iokai)—represents a fusion of Eastern and Western medical concepts.
05
The Global Reach of Seiki Shiatsu: A Unique Approach Developed by Tzvika Calisar
Seiki Shiatsu was developed by Tzvika Calisar, who mastered Keiraku Shiatsu and Namikoshi Shiatsu during his time in Japan. Calisar’s method has gained international recognition as a distinct form of Shiatsu, drawing from a profound understanding of the Ki mechanism (Seiki), combined with Meridian and Organ theories and oriental medicine. His approach is based on extensive training, clinical experience, and teaching in Japan. Building upon the foundations of classical Shiatsu, Calisar’s Seiki Shiatsu focuses particularly on awakening and balancing Seiki, or vital energy, to promote healing. What distinguishes Seiki Shiatsu is its emphasis on the intuitive aspects of healing, encouraging both practitioner and patient to connect deeply with the body’s natural energy flow. The Seiki Method, as taught by Calisar, integrates traditional acupressure with gentle movement and mindful intention, aiming to activate the body’s self-healing abilities. This unique approach has garnered attention from holistic health communities worldwide, leading to its practice and teaching across Europe, Asia, and North America. Seiki Shiatsu’s global reach reflects a growing interest in therapies that blend ancient wisdom with contemporary insights into the mind-body connection. Tzvika Calisar’s work continues to inspire practitioners and students globally, contributing to the evolution of Shiatsu as a holistic healing modality.
_edited.jpg)