Shiatsu massage is becoming a popular form of therapy and relaxation in the UK. iVillage tries it out - all in the pursuit of good journalism, of course
'Shiatsu' is Japanese for 'finger pressure', a term reportedly coined by Tokujiro Namikoshi-sensei, who miraculously healed his mother of rheumatism in 1912 using what is now known as the Shiatsu technique.
Shaitsu is a 'hands-on' therapy used both as a complement to conventional medicine and as a preventative/alternative therapy. It works by stimulating the body's vital energy flow ('Ki') in order to promote good health, and as a fan of all things massage, I organise myself a little taster.
Starting with a brief consultation with the practitioner, we run through my medical history, and as I report my inexplicably long list of past ailments and operations - generally pertaining to the stomach area - the practitioner's face slowly morphs to express sympathy.
Shiatsu diagnosis is done through the 'Hara', the abdominal area, which considered to be the body's base or centre. It's no wonder then that my medical history is a cause of concern for her.
I'm also asked if I'm happy. 'Yes' I reply and we get to it.
The treatment
Shiatsu massage is done through loose clothing and generally you'll be provided with loose fitting trousers and a top made of natural fibres. I lie back on the futon, my ears filled with eastern meditation music, a faint smell of incense in the air, and the practitioner begins the gentle prodding.
Starting at the Hara, she touches various areas of my stomach, pausing to listen to my breathing. With the practitioner's natural bodyweight being utilised to apply the right amount of finger pressure, the Shiatsu technique is said to influence the energy flow in various channels ('Meridians') which can be accessed from various external points of the body. When Ki stagnates, the body becomes ill, the theory goes.
Focusing on these special body areas, she moves around my body with gentle, systematic pressure, regularly pausing to listen to my breathing. Finishing where we began - at the Hara - she focuses on my arms, hands, legs and head, applying light pressure, listening, feeling, and in some cases gently lifting to gauge weight and resistance.
The result
This is an extremely gentle massage - do not expect any deep pummelling, the 'feel good' factor is not muscular and so you do not walk out feeling instantly rejuvenated. The number of sessions varies from case to case and the benefits are ideally preventative, felt gently over the course of treatment.
And for me, despite the odds being not exactly in my favour, my energy flow was assessed as very good. Feeling like I had aced the test and fishing for more, I ask what exactly that means - essentially I am of very good health (which she explains with a mild tone of disbelief in her voice).
Shiatsu treatments are becoming increasingly available nationwide at various alternative health clinics, NHS centres, gyms and spas. To ensure you are getting proper Shiatsu treatment, look for:
- A qualified Shiatsu practitioner has graduated from college with specific training in the area, enabling them to practice professionally
- A further qualification is denoted by the initials MRSS after their name: Member of the Register of the Shiatsu Society (not a compulsory qualification)
You can check whether practitioners are registered with the society either by emailing the Shiatsu Society at
Read more about the Shiatsu method