Is it a dog? No. Is it a martial art? No. Is it massage? Well, sort of... but not in the Western sense of the word. Is it similar to Acupuncture only without the needles? That's closer!

Shiatsu is an exciting hands-on Japanese form of body work, based on the principles of Chinese medicine. According to Chinese philosophy, 'energy' or 'life force' (or Ki) flows through our living bodies in a network of channels or meridians. When this energy becomes blocked or stuck for any reason, this is when symptoms of ill health or dis-ease arise.

Shiatsu works to restore this flow of  energy by applying relaxed pressure to the receiver using hands, fingers, elbows, knees and feet. This is combined with stimulation of acupressure points (yes, these are the same points that are used in Acupuncture!), and stretches and joint rotations as required.

Shiatsu helps to bring balance and flow not just on a physical level, but on an emotional and mental level too. All aspects of our being are considered to be interconnected. Changes in ourselves also affect changes in our environment and how we interact with the world around us. In this sense, Shiatsu can have a much greater influence than we might at first imagine.

For Shiatsu in Newcastle upon Tyne:

Kate German BSc, PhD, Dip Shiatsu, MRSS 
Tel: 0191 228 9069 or 07870 671 045
Email: kate@zenshiatsunewcastle.co.uk
Member of the Shiatsu Society (UK)