Shiatsu is a form of Oriental Therapy evolved from a 5000 years old tradition of healing arts. Shiatsu Therapy, originating in Japan and having roots in China, has had a considerable surge of popularity in the West. Shiatsu, meaning "finger pressure", offers a safe, natural, non-invasive, drugless compliment to Western medicine and is firmly entrenched as a viable therapeutic modality and branch of Complementary Medicine.

Reduced stress & fatigue (tsubo) accumulated in the body
Increased circulation of blood and lymph
Reduced blood pressure and muscle stiffness
Increased vitality, stamina and energy (Qi)

Eastern medical theory describes health as a dynamic balance of body, mind and spirit. Each part is inseparable from the functioning of the whole organism in its environment. Shiatsu therapists treat the whole body as well as specific problem area by addressing both physical and emotional well-being.

Though Eastern and Western medical practices seem to have little in common both investigate the human body and its functions. Eastern medicine has accumulated knowledge about the workings and composition of the human body, just as Western medicine has.

Shiatsu therapists aim to normal the flow of Ki (energy) in the body by applying pressure to obstructed or weak areas. This relieves symptoms and resolves conditions improving the patient's strength and vitality.

From a Western view shiatsu can be explained through its effect on the nervous system. Shiatsu pressure activates the healing, conserving functions of the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system to calm the body's over active fight or flight responses (a classic response of stress) - giving the body space and time to heal itself.Shiatsu utilizes a combination of pressure and assisted-stretching techniques, some of which are common to other therapies, such as Massage, Physiotherapy, Acupressure, Osteopathy, Lymphatic Drainage, Do-in and others. The treatment stimulates the circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, releases toxins and deep seated tensions from the muscles, stimulates the hormonal system and the immune system, and acts on the autonomic nervous system, allowing the recipient to relax deeply and to get in touch with own healing power.

In a shiatsu treatment, comfortable pressure is applied to all parts of the body with feet, thumbs, palms, and elbows, and the body is gently stretched to loosen joints and muscles. Shiatsu treatments promote good health by strengthening the body and stimulating its self-healing abilities. Common conditions that shiatsu treatments have been used to help are back, neck and shoulder aches and pains, headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, and emotional stress. People also use shiatsu to try to relieve minor health problems before they become chronic.

Jill Ayn Schneider, LMT (FL.# MA 9313) has been a practitioner of Barefoot Shiatsu for the past 25 years. She received her training from Shizuko Yamamoto, Master of Barefoot Shiatsu.

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