History of Shiatsu

Originally developed from the ancient Chinese massage technique anmo, shiatsu evolved in the early 1900's in Japan. It is based on the concept of chi, the body's vital force, flowing through defined channels or meridians along the surface of the body. When the body's vital energy flow or qi is normal and harmonious, the body is balanced and healthy. Acupressure points are specific locations along the meridians where the flow of qi gathers in vortices spiraling in inward and outward directions. Pressure or pain at a particular acupoint can reflect an imbalance. 

Stimulation of these acupoints along the meridians by palm and finger pressure will encourage deep muscular relaxation, circulation of blood, and qi balancing. A person will experience varying sensitivity at these acupoints depending on his/her condition. Sensations of softness, hardness, soreness, ticklishness, pulsation, heat or cold reflect obstruction of the energy along the meridian pathway. The recipient will often respond when the therapist gets right on the point. The sensitivity at the point changes as the muscles relax, the body's circulation opens, and the qi is balanced.