What is Zen Shiatsu?

Closely related to Acupuncture, Zen Shiatsu uses gentle palm, thumb, and finger pressure instead of needles to help the body return to balance and health on both a physical and energetic level.

Shizuto Masanaga developed Zen Shiatsu combining the Japanese art of Shiatsu Massage with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) while recognizing the inseparable link between the physiological and psychological states of the bodymind.

Ki (life force energy) circulates through the body along meridian lines recognized by TCM. When there are blocks or stagnation of the ki, imbalance in the meridians causes “dis-ease” in our lives: stress, muscle tension, difficulties in respiration, digestion, circulation, and structural imbalances causing back pain or other misalignments. A practitioner is able to treat the underlying cause of “dis-ease” as well as the symptoms by correcting the imbalances between meridians.

Zen Shiatsu focuses on balancing the kyo (empty) and jitsu (full) in the meridians to restore the smooth flow of ki, allowing our bodies to remain or return to our natural state of health.

From a western perspective, the pressure from Shiatsu stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic, and immune systems. It also treats the hormonal, neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, digestive, and autonomic nervous systems. This allows the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health.