Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, shiatsu is more than just a massage. Shiatsu is all about the smooth flow of Qi.
If a river has a lot of rubbish in it, the water doesn't flow nicely resulting in a build up of water before the constriction and a diminished flow after it. It is the same in the body. If there is congestion - it can be physical or emotional, the flow of blood and Qi is crompromised resulting in a lack of circulating blood and nutrients.
The meridians carry Qi (energy) around the body alonside the blood vessels which provide oxygen, remove waste and carbon dioxide, and bring nutrients to all the cells in the body.
Along each meridian there are specific sites where the Qi can be reached, these are called acupuncture or acupressure points.
Along each meridian there are specific sites where the Qi can be reached, these are called acupuncture or acupressure points.

Meridians are named after the abdominal organs, The photo shows how the Gall Bladder meridian transferses the head.
All the points have a specific effect. For example, GB 20 at the base of the skull, can be used to clear a headache, dizziness, and blurred vision, and even poor memory. It is helpful for people whith a fever, body aches, occipital stiffness and ache. It helps for tinnitus, deafness, and blocked ears.
GB 21 on the shoulder is good for stiffness of the neck and top of the shoulders, it relaxes the sinews. It benefits the breasts and promotates lactation. It is contra indicated in pregnancy because it stimulates the descending of Qi and promotes delivery.
It also helps to descend Lung-Qi and ease deep breathing.
The Gall Bladder meridian has 44 points on it and ends on the forth toe.
All the points have a specific effect. For example, GB 20 at the base of the skull, can be used to clear a headache, dizziness, and blurred vision, and even poor memory. It is helpful for people whith a fever, body aches, occipital stiffness and ache. It helps for tinnitus, deafness, and blocked ears.
GB 21 on the shoulder is good for stiffness of the neck and top of the shoulders, it relaxes the sinews. It benefits the breasts and promotates lactation. It is contra indicated in pregnancy because it stimulates the descending of Qi and promotes delivery.
It also helps to descend Lung-Qi and ease deep breathing.
The Gall Bladder meridian has 44 points on it and ends on the forth toe.
Shiatsu treatments can be a general relaxing massage and they can also be used as a treatment. I helped two young ladies fall pregnant after trying for over a year. They came once a week and both were pregnant within 8 weeks. Most shiatsu treatments include reflexology.
I can feel where energy is trapped and sometimes instruct my clients to "place their emotion" under my hands. I them energetically remove that stagnation and the difference in the feel of the muscle afterwards is noticable.
Shiatsu can treat headaches, insomnia, colds and flu, joint problems, menstrual problems, sinus problems etc.
My book Acupressure for Common Ailments will be published soon.
I can feel where energy is trapped and sometimes instruct my clients to "place their emotion" under my hands. I them energetically remove that stagnation and the difference in the feel of the muscle afterwards is noticable.
Shiatsu can treat headaches, insomnia, colds and flu, joint problems, menstrual problems, sinus problems etc.
My book Acupressure for Common Ailments will be published soon.