Birdsong Traditional Medicine

About Zen Shiatsu

Zen Shiatsu, also called Meridian Shiatsu, is a form of bodywork therapy developed by Shizuto Masunaga in Japan. It is based on the meridian system of traditional Chinese medicine.

The core understanding in shiatsu is that illness and injury occurs when there's a stagnation of energy flow in our body. Shiatsu treatment helps the body and mind to deeply relax, and supports the flow and self healing process, so that the body and mind will move toward greater balance.

In shiatsu sessions, pressure is applied with the thumb, finger, palm, elbow and knee along the body's meridians and on acupressure points. This is combined with various gentle stretches.

Our shiatsu sessions are done fully clothed on a futon mat placed on the floor.

Shiatsu can be an effective treatment for pain and tightness of muscles and joints, as well as stress, tiredness, anxiety, digestive issues, respiratory issues, sleep issues, and many other ailments.

Shiatsu supports the process of listening to our own body - a universe of its own complete with all kinds of states. The practice encourages us to extend this approach of listening to all living things and experiences, offering us deeper understanding and empathy for all that we encounter in our daily lives.