Shiatsu is a style of Asian Bodywork developed in Japan. It combines Chinese massage techniques (Tui Na, Anma, Qigong) with insights from Western physical therapy. Like all Asian Bodywork, it’s based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Shiatsu is known for its use of rhythmic pressure along energy channels. Practitioners lean their own body weight into the recipient’s body to improve energy flow and the circulation of blood and lymph.
There are many, many books on Shiatsu. Here are a few of my favorites.
Note that the links below will open in a second browser window.
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Shiatsu, The Complete Guide
by Chris Jarmey and Gabriel Mojay
Many of the best books on Shiatsu come out of England, and this is one of them. In addition to the well-illustrated section on technique, there is extensive information on theory, including the Five Elements, and diagnosis. The reference material at the end is very helpful.
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Zen Shiatsu, How to Harmonize Yin and Yang for Better Health
by Shizuto Masunaga with Wataru Ohashi
There are many different Shiatsu styles. People trained in one style often tend to disregard inconsistent information from another style, but I find it useful to consider the insights of all styles and synthesize wherever possible. Shizuto Masunaga is the originator of Zen Shiatsu. This style is known for the concepts of Kyo and Jitsu (empty and full), which are similar to the concepts of deficient and excess in acupressure. The book is a classic.
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Shiatsu Theory and Practice
by Carola Beresford-Cooke
This is one of the best books to read as a basic text on Chinese medicine, independently of the specifics on Shiatsu. What I appreciate about it is the intelligence, curiosity, and sophisticated sensitivity that the author brings to the subject matter. I learned many fascinating things from this book. A new (second) edition was released in the spring of 2003. Unfortunately, it’s very expensive.
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What Is Shiatsu?
An article on this website about Shiatsu. Includes information about the history of Shiatsu in Japan, its dissemination to the West, and the founders of the three predominant styles: Namikoshi (Nippon style), Masunaga (Zen Shiatsu), and Serizawa (Acupressure Shiatsu).
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Makko-Ho Exercises
This page, from Holistic Online, describes only one of the six Makko-Ho stretches for the meridians. You’ll find the complete set in many books on Shiatsu. Stretching (or tracing) the meridians daily is a good way to keep your chi balanced and flowing.
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