Shiatsu

Shiatsu. Pronounced shee - ah' - tsoo, and literally meaning 'finger pressure' in Japanese, this is a style of bodywork with its roots in the ancient philosophies of Chinese Medicine, with modern refinement by way of Japan.

In the Eastern tradition, maintaining wellness is related to balancing the manner in which 'ki' (or 'qi', or 'chi' in Chinese) moves through the body.

Ki has been loosely translated to mean 'life force', but can also refer to, 'bio-electric current', and recent research has shown that this measurable current is conducted through the medium of our fascia. We are now starting to understand that dysfunctions in the organs and their functions will create palpable changes in the ki channels (meridians) which can be felt on the skin, and affected with needles (acupuncture) or finger pressure (shiatsu), which, in turn, will affect the organs.

Shiatsu sessions are given on the floor (lying on a mat - though a table can be used as well) with the receiver clothed. The practitioner will use, in addition to finger pressure, pressure given with palms, elbows, knees, even feet, as well as rocking, stretching, and holding in order to move energy through the body. The receiver may be invited to bring their attention to their breathing, as well as any sensations they may be feeling in response to the practitioner's touch.

"It's not that hard to find a massage therapist or other body worker who can make you feel good as he/she is doing the work. But my experience is that warm-glow feeling fades fairly quickly after the session is over. Gina's shiatsu sessions result in that same feel-good sensation, but it lasts for days afterwards."

- Randy Lyons, West Chester, PA