Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork and incorporates a number of other techniques that include Amma, acupressure, massage and stretching. Shiatsu is a holistic treatment as it aims to treat the whole person and not just the condition. It uses the concept of Ki which is the same as the Chinese Chi that energy flows through the body and illnesses are caused by blockages in the flow of this energy. The therapy works by massaging the body along meridian lines or applying pressure and acupoints in the body. By doing this the energy in the body will be able to flow freely and the healing process will begin.

People who use Shiatsu will usually experienced reduced levels of stress as well as improved circulations and a stronger immune system. It has also been shown that shiatsu can be very useful for relieving nausea as well as helping to reduced chronic pain particularly in the back and neck. Other conditions that shiatsu is thought to be beneficial for include diarrhoea, indigestion, constipation, and other disorders of the gastrointestinal tract; menstrual and menopausal problems; chronic pain; migraine; arthritis; toothache; anxiety; and depression.