Basic Concepts

The primary form of Japanese massage, Shiatsu, focuses on the flow of energy or qi that moves around our bodies in definite energy paths or meridians. Oriental Medicine proposes that everyone has a "life energy" or "life force" responsible for the creation of man’s physical structure. It controls emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental stability. This life force is called as chi in Chinese and ki in Japanese. It preserves a homeostatic balance in a person’s body.

The flow of chi can be agitated through traumas that are external or internal in nature. When this happens, signs such as aches and pains begin to crop up and a state of "disease" is starting to be experienced. The physical touch is utilised to evaluate the distribution of chi in the entire body and to try to remedy any imbalances correspondingly.

The fundamental nature of shiatsu is touch. Every living organism reacts to touch and shiatsu aids in the fulfillment of this need. This same touch provided by shiatsu helps to trigger the internal self-healing process.