Understanding the practice

Shiatsu, a manual reading of the body.

A Japanese hands-on practice inspired by Chinese medicine, Shiatsu uses rhythmic pressure over clothing, on specific points and along meridians. In Chinese medicine, health is linked to the good circulation of blood, body fluids and energy.

Traditional Japanese hands-on practice close to the origins of Shiatsu — Shiatsu is rooted in a long history of manual care and listening to the body.

Receiving a session

Over clothing, through pressure, with continuous listening.

Gaëlle Baron-Sellier practising Shiatsu with crossed forearms on the back

The practitioner uses thumbs, palms and sometimes forearms to apply adapted pressure over clothing.

The session does not force the body. It accompanies what the body can release.

How can Shiatsu act?

Nervous system

Rhythmic pressure supports calm and can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, associated with recovery and rest.

Tension

It accompanies the release of muscular and tissue tension, especially in the back, neck, shoulders, arms or belly.

Meridians

In traditional reading, meridian work supports the balance of organs and functions, each associated with an emotional quality.

Circulations

Qi can be understood as the body's energy: what animates, transforms, protects and sets in motion. The session also supports blood and fluid circulation.

Yin and Yang

The vital force, Qi, is composed of two complementary forces: Yin and Yang. Shiatsu seeks to support their balance.

Seasons

Each seasonal transition asks the body to adapt. Shiatsu can accompany this passage.

Ancient chart showing points and care lines on the back — An ancient representation of points and working lines on the body, to be read as a historical and symbolic landmark.

Origins

A practice born from exchanges.

Shiatsu is the result of many exchanges over centuries with China, Korea and, from the 17th century, the West, especially the Netherlands and Portugal. It belongs to a holistic tradition: the person is considered as a whole, connecting body, mind, emotions, environment and seasonal rhythms.

Introduction page of the Japanese manual Anma Tebiki, published in 1835 — Introduction page of the Anma Tebiki, a Japanese massage manual published in 1835, public domain.

Today's body

From ancient texts to today's language.

Lao Tzu, around 2,500 years ago, already evoked the art of following the movements of life.

Modern research observes the body's electrical activity: nervous system, heart, muscles, conductance and measurable signals. These contemporary readings do not replace the notion of Qi, but they remind us that the body is a living, sensitive and connected system.

Ancient Chinese landscape with mountains, trees and flowing water — Mountain and water: an ancient image of the body as a living landscape.

A complementary practice.

Shiatsu is recognised in Japan as a manual therapy by the Ministry of Health since 1955.

It can accompany the body's natural self-regulation capacities and support quality of life, especially during periods of stress, fatigue or medical treatment.

It never replaces diagnosis, treatment or medical follow-up. In case of serious pathology, please consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional.