Shiatsu

Shiatsu massage is an antique and traditionnal healing method in Japan.
The word means «finger pressure», which accurately describes this massage technique as a means of activating the points of acupressure.

The difference between the western massage methods (where the masseur knead and rub the muscles) and the shiatsu massage method in the art of pressure and stretching is the latter. A shiatsu pratitionner uses the  palm of his hands, fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees and the feet to establish the acupuncture points of the body, along what is considered as the meridians of the body, or the canals of energy.

Shiatsu as a care technique is both healing as well as preventive. It helps to balance the flow of energy of the patients and reinforces their vital organs. In shiatsu, it is considered that illness is a result of blocked or wrongly balanced energies which results in tiredness or nervosity.

Generally the patient will lay on a natural fibre mat while a shiatsu practitioner puts his hands on the pateient's body. The practitioner will use his hands, elbows, knees and feet to detrerminate the balance of the meridians, yielding sifficient pressure on specific points in order to rectify and adjust the essential equilibrium of internal energy flow.

The physical advantages of shiatsu massage include better blood circulation, improve lung-ventilation, increase body suppleness, and create hormonal balance. The mental advantages include an overall feeling of well-being and internal peace, relaxation and harmony with the environment.

The benefits of a shiatsu massage continue for a few days after the treatment.