Shiatsu MassageShiatsu is based on the Chinese theory of the circulation of subtle energy, or Chi, through meridians running throughand over the body, which govern the internal organs and our entire metabolism. Situated along these meridians arepressure points, the same as those used in Acupuncture, where the therapist can effectively manipulate this energy.Although the foundation of this massage is deep pressure exerted upon these specific localized points, this systemalso includes a wide variety of stretches, rubbing, hacking and other common massage techniques. It is a somewhatmore subtle form of massage since it deals with a higher level of body mechanism, the Chi, versus just the grossphysical bones, joints, muscles, that we deal with in western medicine. It can be used as a complete system of healthmaintenance, or simply for stress reduction, relaxation, and a general improvement of feeling-tone. Unlike Swedishmassage, Shiatsu requires the recipient's participation with the therapist in coordinating the breath with themanipulations.It is a quiet and contemplative form of massage having profound results Shiatsu is a system based on the body'senergy meridians. Shiatsu massages are normally done fully clothed but can be done disrobed. Shiatsu involvespressing points on the body and stretching and opening of the energy meridians. Shiatsu is sometimes calledpressure point therapy and is somewhat related to acupuncture.Shiatsu is a form of acupressure and literally means "finger pressure" in Japanese. Shiatsu has been practiced forthousands of years in Japan.Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure from four to twelve seconds on specific points along the body's meridians by usingthe fingers, hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes feet to unblock and stimulate the flow of energy. Asession my also include gentle stretching and range-of-motions manipulations. Shiatsu is used to treat pain andillness, to relax the body, and to maintain general health.