Shiatsu therapy is a unique, non-invasive manual therapy from Japan that stimulates the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Literally translated, the word shiatsu means “finger pressure.” The therapy involves the systematic application of pressure, using the thumbs primarily, to different points on the soft tissues of the body in order to assess and treat a variety of conditions. Shiatsu treatments have a regulatory influence on the body’s autonomic nervous system, thereby improving organ function and reducing muscle tension.
We offer two distinct forms of Shiatsu at Tao Health Clinic.
Zen Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu holds that all health problems are related to imbalances in yin and yang, or disharmonies between the internal organs and blockages to the circulation of ki, or energy, through the meridians. A Zen shiatsu treatment begins by assessing the abdominal region (hara), identifying meridian diagnosis points and palpating them, the Zen Shiatsu practitioner identifies accurately the meridians to be treated in the patient’s body.
The five basic tenets of Zen Shiatsu therapy are: a relaxed practitioner; therapy focused on penetration rather than pressure; simple, direct, perpendicular penetration; two hands on the patient’s body at all times; and treat the entire meridian as a whole.
Dixie Hornby is a recognized Zen shiatsu therapist who can skillfully blend shiatsu into her acupuncture treatments or give an exclusive shiatsu treatment to address a host of imbalances and complaints.
Seiki Shiatsu
Seiki shiatsu is a natural evolution of the teachings of Shizuto Masunaga sensei and Ryokyu Endo sensei. Seiki shiatsu is similar to Zen shiatsu in that it aims to treat imbalances and restore harmony.
The central principle of Seiki shiatsu is people’s inherent ability to heal themselves. Through the application of direct, penetrating pressure Seiki shiatsu accesses a person’s sei ki, the natural healing energy that lies at the very core of their being. By touching the sei ki the ja ki, sick or stuck energy, is released and healing occurs.
Seiki shiatsu treatments tend to be intense and the recipient can expect to experience some discomfort as their body moves back into a state of harmony. This discomfort is small compared to the deep and lasting healing that Seiki shiatsu can affect.
Devon incorporates the principles of Seiki shiatsu in all his treatments but takes great pleasure in practicing the art on its own with those who wish to experience this profound level of healing.
To book a shiatsu treatment with either Dixie or Devon please, visit our online booking calendar here. If you wish to have a complete Seiki Shiatsu session with Devon please book 60min of Manual Therapy and just let him know you wish to receive a Seiki Shiatsu treatment.
It is important to dress appropriately for manual therapy and shiatsu. The best option is to wear loose, comfortable, preferably natural fiber clothes that cover your body adequately to stay warm (our clinics can be cool). We suggest cotton lounge wear or something equivalent. Natural fiber fabric greatly facilitates our ability to manipulate muscles and connective tissue effectively. It is not necessary to bring clothes to change into, as often one can find street wear that works nicely. If you choose to bring clothes to change into, please allow time before your appointment to use the restroom (at the end of the hall on the left) to change.