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Related Terms • Acupressure • Acu Yoga • Jin Shin Do • Reflexology • Trigger Point

Definition: Shiatsu is an acupressure massage technique developed in Japan. Pressure is applied to specific points of the body to stimulate or release the 'meridians' (paths of the body) through which energy flows. 

Pronunciation: she at'soo • (noun)

Other Forms:  

Zen shiatsu. Zen is a form of Buddhism that originated in Japan, and it often involves strenuous practices such as hours of meditation a day. Zen shiatsu is also strenuous, adding yoga-like stretches to help open the meridians. Health professionals who practice this technique also apply heavy pressure, using their full body weight when they press the points. This isn't an at-home technique.

Barefoot shiatsu. In this practice, feet is used to rub and press the points. Practitioners say this method delivers more pressure.

Related Resources:

Spa Site Shiatsu Page
Spa Site Professional Shiatsu Association Page
Spa Site Shiatsu Schools Page
Spa Site Bookstore - Shiatsu Books (26 books)

Site Bookstore - Acupressure Books (26 books)
Spa Site Videostore - Acupressure (5 videos)

Spa Site Reflexology Page
Links to code of ethics, articles, definitions, charts, licensing, selecting a practitioner, more.
Spa Site Professional Reflexology Association Page
Spa Site Reflexology Schools Page
The Spa Guide has a Foot Reflexology Massage at Coolfont in West Virginia
Spa Site Bookstore - Reflexology Books (24 books)

Spa Site Article - Trigger Point Massage
In-depth discussion with photographs of techniques.
Spa Site Article - Buckhead Bodyworks and the Peachtree Road Race
A real-life example of Trigger Point Massage in action with photographs of techniques.
Spa Site Bookstore Trigger Point Massage / Myofascial Therapy Books (10 books)Spa

Body Work -- Shiatsu
onhealth article discussing shiatsu.

The Cyprus Shiatsu Centre
Included ways shiatsu can help, definition, description of treatment, KI, and more.

Shiatsu
Crystal Links page with brief description.

Shiatsu
Description of Japanese massage - history, finger pressure, chi, meridians, treatment.

Shiatsu from Holistic Online
Includes introduction, origins, qi, basic rules for practice, effects, case study, effectiveness, and more.

Shiatsu in Sitting Position
Illustrated demonstrations of shiatsu techniques with client in the kneeling/sitting position.

Shiatsu in Side Position
Illustrated demonstrations of shiatsu techniques with client lying on side.

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