What is SHIATSU ?


SHIATSU comes from Shi – hand, and atsu – pressure.
Shiatsu resembles acupuncture with the difference that instead of needles, – hands, fingers, feet and elbows apply pressure on these ‘energy’ highways called ‘meridians’.
Like musical strings, they vibrate at points called ‘tsubos’. By touching them they allow a specific action on the meridian and on the organ which it is linked to – and on the whole body and soul…


The chinese were the first, around 4000 years ago, to develop this healing art, which is based on a very global view of the being. The Chinese consider that every living being is part of a flowing energy called Qi’. The Qi flows through the earth and the sky, it is in the seasons and the changing hours of the day and night, it is in the wind, the sea, the trees… in the elements, in living beings and everything around us.
We can also find it in our own particular habits, in our state of mind, in our reactions…
The movement of Qi, constantly flowing from to yang to yin and from yin to yang, allows the expression of our life and who we are.
In Japan, SHIATSU was the domain of the blind, who knew how to ‘read’ with their hands. During the wars of the end of the 19th century and WW1, no medicine was available and SHIATSU was used effectively to relieve the suffering of soldiers. Later, more techniques of massage and meridian stretches were incorporated.
TOUCH
It is through touching that we contact the flow of Qi. Touch is the essence of this art.
Through touch we understand our mother’s love at the moment of birth and take contact with the surrounding world. It is the monopoly of mammals.
Through touch we can diffuse a blocked energy or on the contrary make it move smoothly by stimulating a tired Qi. All the art is there.
Hands know how to listen and talk…


Shiatsu for You
If you have come to this web site new to Shiatsu, with or without a personal or physical problem to solve, you might ask : « Why would I try shiatsu, what might I be missing here and what new and useful experience would this bring me? »
Here are some of the benefits of shiatsu

Shiatsu acts on :

  • The nervous system
  • Circulation
  • Insomnia
  • Digestion
  • Loosing weight or balancing weight
  • The immune system
  • Flexibility and resistance of the body
  • A faster recovery after an accident or trauma
  • Accompaniment, reducing side effects and optimizing conventional treatment in case of serious sickness like cancer, MS…
  • Our emotions and joy of living
  • Transformation of old patterns
  • PMS
  • Detox of the metabolism


Shiatsu can also assist in a life crisis, bereavement or depression, as it can with some back problems. You may come away perceiving your own self in a more spacious and peaceful or positive way, and connect better with the present moment. This short description is a small fraction of what Shiatsu may be able to offer you.


What happens during a Shiatsu session ?
A session lasts about an hour and a half.
Shiatsu is always practiced on the clothed body, with comfortable cloths in natural fiber, lying on a ‘futon’ on the floor. It is good if you have not had a big meal beforehand. Your work will be solely to relax.
If possible, I prefer to meet you in my space where the environment is absolutely right.
However I also come to you if you need so, after talking it over on the phone.
Shiatsu is in no way a substitute for a doctor or traditional western medicine.