FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The following FAQ list addresses the more straightforward, specific questions that clients & potential clients (frequently) ask me about Zen Shiatsu and my clinical practice. For more comprehensive information I invite you to look at:
AND NOW FOR THE QUESTIONS
Will I be able to get a rebate from my health fund?
The short answer to this Very High Frequency FAQ is: VERY SOON
Now for the longer answer.
In July 2025, Shiatsu Therapy was reinstated on the federal government list of evidence based therapies and the necessary amendment to the Private Health Insurance Natural Therapies Rebate Legislation is now in force. (NOTE: Shiatsu had been an “approved therapy” for many years up until April 2019).
The Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia (STAA) has been consulting with all of the Private Health Insurance Funds to advocate for Shiatsu being reinstated on their extras policies as soon as possible. AS A RESULT, most private health funds have said that they will be offering rebates for Shiatsu when they issue their new Schedule(s) in April 2026.
I am a qualified, professional therapist and fully accredited with STAA – the peak body for Shiatsu in Australia.
When the time comes, I will be able to provide you with an appropriate invoice for a rebate should you have the appropriate level of cover with a Fund that is supporting Shiatsu Therapy.
How will it feel to receive a Shiatsu?
The most common immediate response is that of very deep relaxation & calm. Receivers of Zen Shiatsu usually slip into a “doze zone”, as the rest/digest parasympathetic nervous system takes over. Some people fall asleep others feel as though they have been transported “somewhere else”.
Shiatsu also provides a strong sense of being “looked after”, of being “held” and supported by the therapist and by the process of the treatment.
What might I expect to feel after a Shiatsu treatment?
Most people find themselves very relaxed and comfortable, clearer and more energized. Usually they sleep very soundly the following night. Treatments can, however, release deeply held (possibly unacknowledged) sensations. This is may range from straightforward fatigue to more complex emotional expressions – generally, they pass fairly quickly and are well within the normal.
It is a good idea, in any case, to keep yourself well hydrated and rested for 24 – 36 hours following a treatment. This will support you as you process your responses and eliminate any released toxins.
How many treatments will I need and how regularly will I need to come in?
A follow up treatment, within 2 – 4 weeks, is always strongly recommended.
Beyond that, each client has different treatment needs & inclinations. Some I see weekly, others monthly or seasonally. Other returning clients may come in twice a year or possibly only when they are experiencing an issue of some sort.
NOTE: the cost of treatments goes down the more frequent & regular the appointments.
Do you have a Cancellation Policy?
If yes, what is it?
YES, read on …
Late cancellations will incur a Cancellation Fee unless I have a wait-listed client who is able to take your place. My clinic time is currently limited & clinic rent is expensive. If I am to stay viable I cannot afford to have sudden, usually un-fillable gaps in my treating schedule.
Many thanks for your understanding on this issue, it is much appreciated.
- Appointment day cancellation / Failure to Attend (FTA): 100% of the scheduled fee
- Day before appointment cancellation: 50% of the scheduled fee
Is Shiatsu OK for the elderly, the disabled or for children?
Yes. Shiatsu is safe and effective for people of all ages and most health conditions. Each treatment is adapted to the individual and their circumstances. Many less robust people actually feel more comfortable and secure on a floor mat/futon than on a conventional treatment table.
Although I do have a current Working With Children Certificate, I legally require written consent from their parent/guardian in order to deliver Zen Shiatsu to children under 16 years of age. With younger children, it is preferable that their parent / responsible adult stays in the room or, at least, on the premises while they are on the mat.
If you are unsure, please don’t hesitate to contact me to talk it over.
Are there any times / circumstances when Shiatsu should be avoided?
You should postpone your Shiatsu treatment if you:
- have some sort of infectious disease or are suffering from an acute, feverish illness;
- have an acute physical or mental health problem for which you have not seen an appropriate medical practitioner;
- are in the first trimester of pregnancy and have never received Shiatsu before, or;
- are in the early stages of recovering from a major operation.
What sort of research is there into the efficacy of Shiatsu?
Clinical research into the effects of Shiatsu Therapy is in its infancy. What studies there are speak of positive improvements with respect to anxiety, pain and stress management. This is in addition to delivering better sleep quality and reduction in psychological distress. They also note the lack of negative side effects.
For a survey of articles and studies that address the efficacy of Shiatsu for treating a range of different complaints I refer you to the appropriate page on the STAA WEBSITE.
What is the “ZEN” in Zen Shiatsu?
Shiatsu generally is a Japanese development of the meridian and acupressure based massage of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and remains firmly within the Yin/Yang and Five Element Theory framework of TCM. There are a number of different styles of Shiatsu.
ZEN SHIATSU was developed last century by Master Shizuto Masunaga. It PRIORITIZES THE INTUITION OF THE PRACTITIONER – or giver – and their DIRECT CONNECTION WITH THE RECEIVER’S ENERGY. It is a relationship between two energy systems.
Masunaga also modified and extended the traditional meridian system into what is known as the Zen or Masunaga extensions. Zen Shiatsu places a strong emphasis on treating the whole meridian rather than focusing on particular acu-points.
That said, Zen Shiatsu is also TECHNICALLY SPECIFIC with respect to other Shiatsu styles.
DIAGNOSIS, in Zen Shiatsu, is via palpation of meridian zones in the abdomen and uses the concepts of KYO (lack) and JITSU (excess) to define the direction and shape of the treatment.
The TREATMENT is delivered via a distinctive two handed technique. One hand, sometimes known as the “mother hand”, “holds” in one place. The other hand, sometimes known as the “working hand”, moves along one of the meridians being treated. The two hands create a relationship, via the energetic system of the giver, and hence facilitate an exchange of energy between the two meridians in the receiver.
This is the shortest answer I could come up with to this 2nd most popular FAQ and there is still so much more I could say.