ZEN SHIATSU & HOW IT WORKS
WHAT IS ZEN SHIATSU ???
MORE THAN A MASSAGE
ZEN SHIATSU IS ENERGY BASED BODY WORK
A THERAPEUTIC HEALTH SERVICE
PROFOUND RELAXATION
DEEP ENERGY BALANCING
CONNECTION THROUGH BODY, HEART, MIND & SPIRIT
Zen Shiatsu is hands-on touch therapy that provides TANGIBLE PHYSICAL RELIEF from tension, fatigue, pain and stiffness – localized &/or general. This, in turn, improves circulation while strengthening the musculo-skeletal system, the nervous system and organ function.
That said, it is also energy based body work that balances the entire system. It facilitates healing, well-being and connection on all levels: physical, emotional, mental & spiritual.
As a PREVENTATIVE therapy, Zen Shiatsu builds immunity and resilience.
It may also be used in response to a range of SPECIFIC ISSUES, chronic &/or acute, including:
- Joint & soft tissue problems
- Headaches, nervous tension & sciatica
- Digestive & respiratory problems
- Menstrual & menopausal difficulties
- Insomnia, fatigue & other sleep related issues
- Stress & anxiety related conditions
Zen Shiatsu invites you to really
ENJOY IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH
THERAPEUTIC HEALTH SERVICE
The SHIATSU THERAPY ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (STAA), the peak body for Shiatsu, regulates Zen Shiatsu as a professional modality. STAA Professional Accreditation requires a specialized Diploma: 2 years of study and practical training in addition to a minimum 120 hours of supervised clinical practice. In order to maintain professional standing, Shiatsu Therapists must do a minimum 20 hrs/yr of approved Professional Development.
Shiatsu is classified as THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE and recognized by the Australian Government as a HEALTH SERVICE [as for Remedial Massage]. In July 2025, the federal government reinstated Shiatsu on their list of evidence based therapies. As a result, most private health funds will soon be once again offering rebates for Shiatsu.
PROFOUND RELAXATION
Zen Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing and powerful blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with the historical healing techniques of Japan. As a touch therapy, it stimulates the release of “feel good”, relaxing hormones – but this is just the beginning. To enhance this effect, the delivery technique (see below) is actively soothing, calming and releasing. This makes Zen Shiatsu a great pleasure to receive.
Beyond this, ZEN SHIATSU SPECIFICALLY TRIGGERS THE SHIFT into the Parasympathetic mode of the Autonomic Nervous System (PNS). This REST/DIGEST/HEAL zone is ideal for recharging and balancing your entire system – physical and energetic.
In this way, Shiatsu turbo charges the relaxation factor.
DEEP ENERGY BALANCING
As a modality within the TCM spectrum, Zen Shiatsu proposes that energy (qi, chi or KI) flows through the body and its greater energy sphere in channels known as meridians. This energy functions / vibrates on a series of different levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
It follows, that balance, ease and harmony of this energetic flow relaxes the body, settles the emotions and calms the mind – encouraging and supporting our system in self-healing.
Over time this builds our fundamental sense of well-being along with our ability to respond better to stress.
This is the bedrock of
good health
Client specific diagnosis of the state of the various energy meridians and their interrelationships guides each Zen Shiatsu treatment. The practitioner interprets and addresses whatever “issues” the client is presenting with in the context of this diagnosis. In the course of the treatment they give attention to the whole length of the target meridians – including all their acu-points – and the whole person.
In this respect, Zen Shiatsu differs from traditional acupressure & acupuncture with their individual point focus.
The therapist WORKS DIRECTLY ON THE RECEIVER’S ENERGETIC BODY, identifying and stimulating reactive points to harmonize the flow of KI and facilitate holistic systemic change. By balancing the energy pattern on the various levels they address client issues. At the same time, the energetic and nervous systems are rested and “re-set” to maximise well-being.
CONNECTION THROUGH BODY, HEART, MIND & SPIRIT
The Zen Shiatsu relaxation factor is maximized when the receiver shifts into Parasympathetic mode delivering a major recharge to our basic capacity to BE and to DO. This deep, healing relaxation also impacts very positively on the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) in our gut and on the vagus nerve.
The ENS, also referred to as our SECOND BRAIN, is as complex and neuron-laden as our central nervous system brain. Beyond managing the activity in our gut, it is thought to play a key role in determining both our mental and emotional states along with their possible interactions.
The VAGUS NERVE is a long cranial nerve that connects our two brains – linking up the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems along the way. It is also the main nerve of our parasympathetic nervous system. It is worth noting that dysfunction in this brain-gut axis is linked to a range of conditions including obesity, epilepsy, depression and autism.
The health and vitality of both the ENS and the vagus nerve is clearly paramount to our overall well-being. The implications for the connections between our physical, emotional and intellectual aspects – our capacity to FEEL, THINK and CONNECT – are far reaching.
Discover more about Zen Shiatsu
the Enteric Nervous System &
the Vagus Nerve
TECHNIQUE
BODY WEIGHT
The therapist uses relaxed body weight, gravity and rhythm – as opposed to strength – to deliver pressure along the meridians. This (primarily) hand pressure may be firm but is always gentle. Actions may include holding, stretching, rotating, connecting &/or releasing and the tempo varies from seemingly still to very dynamic.
QUALITY OF CONTACT
This near constant, friction-less contact promotes the production of positive relaxation hormones: dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Furthermore, Shiatsu prioritizes quality of contact over strength. In this way, Shiatsu delivers a vastly different experience to that of western massage styles which tend to rely on (1) muscular engagement on the part of the practitioner to drive the contact and (2) direct manipulation of soft tissue with rubbing, kneading, rolling and tapping techniques.
Practitioners are specifically trained
to respond to each receiver at
their individual level of
“TOUCH TOLERANCE”
2-HANDED TECHNIQUE
There is a strong emphasis on connecting directly with the receiver’s KI via a stable, “mother” hand and a moving “working” hand. This constant two-handed technique delivers real-time awareness of energy shifts. As a result, the therapist may develop &/or adapt the treatment in response to what is actually happening for the client.
NON-INVASIVE
Zen Shiatsu is a singularly NON-INVASIVE, NON-AGGRESSIVE modality with no documented negative side effects. Because it is traditionally performed on a futon mat on the floor, the receiver feels very stable and supported. In addition, the receiver remains clothed / robed, no oils are used and there is minimal skin-to-skin contact.
RECEIVER’S EXPERIENCE
Discover for yourself the soothing satisfaction of touch along with profound energy balancing & connection – through all levels … PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL – as you relax through a clinically therapeutic musculoskeletal treatment.
Discover more about your
ZEN SHIATSU SPECIALIST.
FORMAT(S)
CLASSIC, WRAP-AROUND CARE
[90/120 min]
CLASSIC TREATMENTS are thorough, therapeutic and a pleasure to receive because they are HOLISTIC AND CLIENT SPECIFIC. Individual diagnosis determines YOUR treatment addressing YOUR issues and delivered within the context of balancing YOUR complete system and treating YOUR entire body.
Includes both verbal and written FOLLOW-UP.
TARGETED CARE
[60 min]
Private clients can also enjoy the CONCENTRATED ZEN BLISS of shorter Targeted treatments focused on a specific body zone or a particular issue. The target may be identified by you, the receiver. Alternatively, you might want to experience the seasonal optimization of:
- The SPINAL + FULL BACK , or
- The HARA + FULL FRONTAL
CORPORATE CARE
[15-30 min]
IN THE CORPORATE CONTEXT the receiver may be seated on a massage chair.
Zen Shiatsu is delivered as short, localized treatments with strategic support work at further points on the energy channels in question. These treatments target common ailments that niggle at the office worker while also addressing issues of fatigue and stress.
The meridians run through the whole body, with multiple zones of reflection and correspondence. As a result, highly targeted work delivers relief in problem areas along with whole of system renewal.
BECAUSE THIS IS MORE THAN A CONVENTIONAL MASSAGE.
Find out more about
CORPORATE ZEN SHIATSU
CLINICAL RESEARCH & SHIATSU
Clinical research into the effects of Shiatsu Therapy is in its infancy. What preliminary studies there are note the lack of negative side effects. By contrast, they speak of positive improvements with respect to anxiety, pain and stress management in addition to better sleep quality and reduction in psychological distress.
THESE STUDIES INCLUDE:
- Relieving pressure – An evaluation of Shiatsu treatments for cancer & palliative care patients in an NHS setting
- Effects of Acupressure on Sleep Quality and Psychological Distress in Nursing Home Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Shiatsu for chronic lower back pain: Randomized controlled study
- Effectiveness of Hand Self-Shiatsu to Promote Sleep in Young People with Chronic Pain: a Case Series Design
For a more complete 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.