Shiatsu is a non-invasive massage developed in Japan.
It is sometimes referred to as acupressure, acupuncture without needles, or as a form of Japanese physiotherapy.

Shiatsu can help a wide range of conditions from specific injuries to general symptoms of poor health. It can also be received purely as a pleasant way to relax and unwind.

What are the aims of Shiatsu?
The primary aim of Shiatsu is to promote energy flow, which serves to enhance circulation of blood, lymphatic fluid etc. Thus it supports the body's natural potential to self-heal.

It rebalances body systems, eg. the digestive, circulatory, respiratory and immune systems, which become unbalanced as the body redirects resources to deal with stress.

Background to Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a comprehensive form of complementary therapy, various forms of which were developed in the 20th century.

It is founded on an awareness of both Oriental medicine (also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM) and Western models of anatomy, physiology and psychology.

How does Shiatsu work?

 The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (ki in Japanese, qi or chi in Chinese) flows throughout the body in a series of energetic pathways - known as meridians.
Energy may stop flowing freely, producing a symptom.

Based on an assessment of the client's health, constitution and presenting symptoms, the practitioner uses a variety
of techniques to release tension and improve energy flow.

The practitioner will press on the meridians with palms or thumbs, and may also practice more dynamic rotations and stretches. The symptoms associated with lack of flow will gradually improve as the quality of energy changes.

What to expect in a Shiatsu Massage Chair session
A high quality shiatsu massage chair will massage you for 15-30 min sessions and your clothing should remain on your being.  After a shiatsu massage chair session you should feel relaxed and invigorated.  If it is you first time in a shiatsu massage chair than you may notice some soreness the next day.  Your muscles will adapt to the strength of the chair and the soreness should subside after a few weeks of usage.  One the soreness subsides the deep penetration of the shiatsu massage chair will really begin to notice the effects on you overall wellbeing.  A high quality massage chair like the Premier Massage Chairs will come with a foam pad to help adjust the strength of the massage so that is does not make you too sore.  You want to receive a strong massage but not a painful massage so use the foam massage chair pads accordingly.

Shiatsu works with the individual at an emotional/mental as well as physical level. Following a treatment the client may feel revitalized and invigorated, yet profoundly relaxed.