April 2, 2008
Shiatsu (acupressure) is a Japanese system of massage that aims to balance the energies in your body. It is believed that energies that are out of balance can cause disease and tiredness, and make your immune system work less well. The word “shiatsu” means “finger pressure.” The therapist presses specific points on your body. Each point connects to a specific organ in your body through lines called meridians. Pressing a certain point stimulates the organ it’s connected to. Shiatsu uses the same pressure points as acupuncture, but uses the pressure of fingers, palms, and elbows instead of needles. Both shiatsu and acupuncture work to calm the energy (qi) that flows in a continuous cycle through your body.