Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture but rather than needles, uses finger and palm pressure to meridians to improve the flow of qi (pronounced chee) where it is thought that imbalances in the natural flow result in illness. Shiatsu therapists are trained to recognize patterns of disharmony in the body, even prior to physical signs appearing. There are many different styles to the practice of Shiatsu. Some use pressure on acupuncture points, others use the general work on the body and some follow along the pathways of internal energy pathways or “Qi”. A Shiatsu practitioner will use touch, moderate pressure, stretching, pulling, rubbing and other manipulative techniques to adjust structure and open energetic pathways.
