An Introduction to Shiatsu

for your friends and family

What is shiatsu?

Find out how to give and receive a basic Shiatsu massage that you can give to your friends and family.

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage that relaxes, revitalises and stimulates the body’s natural ability to re-balance and restore. In a Shiatsu session the thumbs, fingers and palms are used to apply pressure and movement, easing tension and stress, improving circulation, and encouraging the free flow of the ‘life-force’ or ‘Ki energy’ throughout the body. The use of specific pressure points enhances this process. Treatments are usually carried out on soft floor mats wearing comfortable clothing (no oils are used).

What can I expect to learn?

The workshop includes: some background theory, exercises to develop your ‘Ki’ awareness, demonstrations and practise in pairs of a range of Shiatsu techniques, focusing on the back of the body.
We will cover:
– A basic shiatsu massage using thumbs and palms
– Acupressure to calm and stimulate your energy
– Stretches to release muscular tension
– Location of several acupoints
– Identify contra-indications to giving and receiving Shiatsu

Who can come to these workshops?

As this course is suitable for complete beginners, it is not suitable for those with knee problems as it is practised on the floor, or those with osteoporosis as it involves applying pressure to the body.

Do I have to bring anything with me?

Wear suitable clothing for giving and receiving bodywork ie loose comfortable top, trousers with no zips or thick seams and fresh socks.