The first documented data is over 2500 years old and is rooted in the principles of self-massage and self-applied pressure point therapy, and is used for healing, purification, detoxification, and stimulating energy. This approach gradually became an integral part of the existing health practices and spread along with other Chinese healing arts throughout Southeast Asia.
Among these arts was the ancient “Massage and Point pressing” known as Anma, and practised in many cases by the blind, due to their extraordinary sense of “feeling through touching”. Amma (Anma in Japanese) has been used for centuries to deal with many common ailments, aches and pains as well as treating more serious “diseases”. New influences from traditional Eastern medicine and Western science have gradually shaped it into what is today called Shiatsu. Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning “finger pressure”. “Finger (shi) and pressure (atsu)”. Shiatsu uses few techniques and to an observer, it would appear that little is happening. It is a relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand or thumb, an easy leaning of the elbows or a simple rotation of a limb. It almost seems like a lazy activity. Shiatsu uses these techniques to adjust the body’s physical structure and its natural inner energies, to help prevent illness, and maintain good health.

• Stimulates the lymphatic system
• Improved immune system
• Regulates the activity of the autonomic nervous system
• Relaxed muscles and improved circulation
• Relieve muscle pain
• Relieves stress and anxiety
• Calming the nervous system.
• Digestive disorders
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Hypertension
• Menstrual cramps or irregularities

As you can see this is a very powerful modality when learnt properly

• The theory of shiatsu
• The essence of shiatsu
• The philosophy of Shiatsu
• The meridians
• Basic rules when practicing shiatsu
• Chakras
• Acupuncture Points
• Health and safety.
• Client care, communication and preparation.
• Contra-Indications
• Massage techniques and application.
• Aftercare