What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a form of manual therapy from Japan. Based on both Eastern medicine and Western knowledge of anatomy, physiology and psychology.

Shiatsu is not only a way to treat complaints, but also a form of preventive care. Shiatsu is an ancient manual therapy based on these principles and helps to restore the natural balance.

What complaints can Shiatsu help with?
Shiatsu can help with:
  • Shoulder and neck/back complaints
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Digestive complaints
  • Intestinal complaints
  • Headache/migraine/dizziness
  • Chronic complaints such as osteoarthritis
  • Weakened immune system
  • Menstrual complaints
  • Pregnancy complaints
  • Menopausal complaints
  • Insomnia
  • Stress or Burn-out
  • Fatigue
  • Long-COVID
"More than the body, the heart touches the song of the cicada"
This haiku (Japanese poetry) by Kobayashi Issa reflects the deep connection between body and mind. Just as the sound of the cicada not only reaches the ears, but also touches the heart, Shiatsu works on multiple levels: physical, emotional and energetic. It is a gentle but profound way to promote balance and well-being, by allowing the Ki (life energy) to flow freely. 

In our society we are continuously exposed to changes, busyness (work, family/household and social life), performance and haste. The ability to adapt to these stimuli determines our health. Maintaining balance is a major challenge and if this balance is disturbed, both physical and mental complaints can arise. 

Shiatsu can help to regain balance and stimulate the self-healing capacity through targeted touch.

More about Shiatsu

In Eastern medicine, health is all about balance. Body and mind are inseparably connected and function optimally when energy, or Ki, can flow freely and harmoniously through the body. Shiatsu is an ancient manual therapy based on these principles and helps to restore the natural balance.
In Japanese tradition, Hara is more than just the belly; it is the energetic and physical center of the body. Located in the lower abdomen, just below the navel, Hara is considered the source of Ki (life energy) and the foundation of health, stability and inner strength.

In my treatments Hara plays a crucial role. When there is tension or stagnation in this area it can manifest itself in fatigue, emotional unrest or physical complaints.

Through gentle, focused pressure, shiatsu helps to restore the connection with Hara, resulting in an experience of greater resilience, wholeness and stability.
You can strengthen your Hara in daily life by breathing consciously, moving mindfully and bringing your focus to your abdomen.
Everything in nature - and therefore also in our body - consists of Yin and Yang, two opposing but also complementary forces. Yin stands for rest, cold, night and structure, while Yang symbolizes movement, warmth, day and dynamics.

Health means that Yin and Yang are in balance. Too much or too little of either can lead to complaints, such as fatigue, tension or pain. Shiatsu helps to restore this balance by applying specific meridians and techniques that support Yin or Yang.

In addition to Yin-Yang, the Five Phase System (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal) plays a major role in the Eastern view of health. It describes the cycles of visible, natural events around us: the cycles of the plant world, the seasons, day and night, in short, of everything that exists. In this macrocosmic process, we are the microcosm. Every person develops according to the same laws of nature. We are also the process of the five phases, we are also water, wood, fire, earth and metal.

Any imbalance in an element can manifest itself both physically and mentally. Shiatsu helps to harmonize the energy within the elements, so that your body and mind can function optimally.
Shiatsu is not only a way to treat complaints, but also a form of preventive care. By receiving Shiatsu regularly, you support the natural balance in your body and strengthen your resistance. It helps you to stay better attuned to the subtle signals of your body and thus experience health and well-being on a deeper level.
In case of viral infections, fever, contagious skin disease, open wound, thrombosis or if you have just had an operation, it is wiser to wait with making an appointment until the complaints have completely disappeared.