Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork technique that combines traditional Chinese medicine. Like other massage techniques, Shiatsu therapists use fingers, thumbs and palms to apply pressure to different areas of the body.
Shiatsu means "finger pressure". It uses light and firm pressure along with gentle stretches to balance and harmonise the body. Practitioners work along energy lines called meridians and focus on specific points on these meridians.
A Shiatsu practitioner uses fingers, thumbs, and palms to press on acupuncture points and energy pathways (meridians) in your body. This pressure aims to stretch and open pathways for the body's flow of qi.
Many people with cancer use Shiatsu because it makes them feel good. Shiatsu therapists promote it as a natural way to help you relax and cope with:
Therapists believe that freeing your energy flow can lift your mood and improve your wellbeing. Some people with cancer use Shiatsu to manage symptoms and side effects of:
People often report feeling more relaxed and having higher energy levels after a Shiatsu session.