Paula Derry, PhD, LMT
As with many health-related practices, there are different styles, approaches, schools. Here’s how I see it:
Shiatsu is a gentle but deep touch therapy based in Chinese medicine. Like many other Chinese medicine-based practices, Shiatsu views regards mind, body, and spirit as aspects of one larger whole; views the body as a living, interconnected system; encourages resilience; views health as a positive experience rather than the absence of disease; regards “feeling like myself” as an important experience. A basic idea in Chinese medicine is that in health the vital energy called chi (or qi or ki) flows freely and in balance along pathways called meridians; if energy is out of balance, this is experienced as dis-ease and ultimately can result in disease. The goal of Shiatsu is to encourage balance through touch; this guides where and how to touch. The approach I learned and practice emphasizes cultivating mindfulness in me and in the client; touch is communication between practitioner and client. Clients lay on a treatment table or on a futon on the floor, fully clothed.
People seek Shiatsu for deep relaxation, dealing with stress, energy balancing to promote growth and health, a deepening sense of self, increasing awareness of body-oriented experience, support dealing with physical illness, relief from physical distress.
As with many health-related practices, practitioners often combine Shiatsu with other approaches to suit their personal style and to have effective tools to address a broad variety of needs. Practitioners may differ in which of the goals of Shiatsu they work with.
There’s more information about Shiatsu on my website pauladerry.com.