A European study that looked at shiatsu clients and practitioners in Spain, Austria and the United Kingdom found that the massage modality can play an important role in improving overall health and well-being.
The study was based on postal questionnaires completed by 633 shiatsu clients and 85 practitioners. Results showed they all therapists routinely gave advice, where appropriate, regarding exercise, diet, lifestyle habits, posture or how to use one’s body. And this advice did encourage and promote wellbeing in clients’ lifestyles.
Shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure to energetic pathways, called meridians to improve the flow of qi. Shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.