Shiatsu Massage: Procedure, effects and what makes it special

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork. The practitioner is fully clothed, without oil, and uses gentle pressure applied with the thumbs, palms, and elbows. A session typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes and usually takes place on a mat on the floor. This article explains what happens during this time, how the pressure feels, the cost of a treatment, the difference between Shiatsu and Thai massage, and what aspects can be achieved with the aid of equipment.

What Shiatsu means

The word simply means finger pressure: shi for finger, atsu for pressure. The form originated in early 20th-century Japan from the older Anma massage, supplemented by elements of Western anatomy. Shiatsu has been recognized as an independent method in Japan since 1964.

The underlying model comes from traditional East Asian medicine: The body is traversed by pathways, the meridians, along which vital energy flows. If this energy stagnates, ailments arise. This is a cultural explanatory model, not an anatomical description. You don't have to agree with it to benefit from the treatment.

How a session proceeds

The treatment is performed on a firm mat on the floor, less often on a treatment table. The floor is not a coincidence: only in this way can the therapist position her own body weight vertically over the pressure point, instead of pressing with her arm. This is why Shiatsu has a deep effect without appearing forceful.

• Beginning. A brief conversation, then you'll usually be lying on your stomach. The therapist initially just places her hands on you and works with gentle, even pressure.
• Back and buttocks. Apply pressure along the lines to the left and right of the spine, using your thumbs or the palms of your hands. Hold each point for a few seconds, do not knead.
• Legs and feet. Further downwards, often with the forearms or elbows against the strong muscle groups.
• Side-lying position and supine position. Arms, hands, abdomen, neck and head. This is combined with gentle rotations of the shoulders and hips.
• Diploma. A few minutes of rest, without being touched.

How the pressure feels

Unlike a kneading massage, the pressure builds up slowly, remains constant, and then gradually releases. It's clearly noticeable in firm areas, but barely perceptible in relaxed ones. It feels pleasant as long as you can continue breathing calmly. If you hold your breath or resist the pressure, it's too much, and you should say so.

Slight discomfort the following day is possible, similar to mild muscle soreness. Fatigue immediately after the session is common, which is why many people avoid strenuous activities afterward.

Shiatsu, Thai or classic massage

• Dress. Shiatsu and Thai massage while clothed, classic massage with oil on the skin.
• Technology. Shiatsu uses sustained pressure. Thai massage uses sustained pressure and also involves vigorous stretching. Classical massage involves kneading and stroking.
• Time. Shiatsu is the calmest of the three. Thai is significantly more dynamic because you are passively guided into positions.
• Underground. Shiatsu and Thai massage on the mat, classic massage on the couch.

For those seeking a detailed explanation of the difference to Thai massage: traditional Thai massageAll forms are placed side by side in the Overview of massage types.

How much a treatment costs

Guidelines for privately paid sessions in Germany, no fixed price:

• 45 to 60 minutes: approximately 60 to 90 euros.
• 90 minutes: approximately 90 to 140 euros.
• Ten cards noticeably lowers the individual price in most practices.

In large cities, prices are on the higher end. Statutory health insurance does not cover Shiatsu, as it is not considered a recognized medical treatment. Some private supplemental insurance plans offer some coverage, so it's worth checking with your insurer beforehand. Information on how this compares to other types of massage can be found here: how much a massage costs.

How often is appropriate?

For acute muscle tension, many practices recommend several appointments in quick succession, followed by longer intervals. For everyday maintenance, most people find one appointment per month sufficient. More frequent appointments aren't harmful, but can quickly cost thousands of euros annually. The general assessment of this is as follows: how often one should go for a massage.

This calculation is precisely what many people base their decision on when choosing a device. Someone who goes every two weeks for €80 will pay around €2.000 per year. A mid-range massage chair will therefore be worn out after one to two years; after that, each use is free. Its limitations are listed below.

What you wear

Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing made of thin fabric that allows you to sit with your legs bent. Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are better than shorts, as the therapist will otherwise work directly on your skin and the pressure will be felt differently. Keep your socks on. Remove jewelry, watches, and belts. Avoid eating immediately beforehand, as the therapist will also be working on your abdomen.

When Shiatsu is not suitable

Consult a doctor beforehand if you are pregnant, have thrombosis or suspected thrombosis, osteoporosis, acute inflammation and fever, recent injuries or surgeries, or are taking blood-thinning medication. We do not work on open wounds, fresh bruises, or inflamed areas.

Shiatsu on equipment

You'll also encounter the term in retail, but there it means something different. A Shiatsu massage cushion mimics the circular movements with rotating massage heads, while a massage chair moves them along a track on the back. Both are based on the technique, but not identical: A device doesn't maintain pressure on a single point for seconds and doesn't react to anything it senses under the rollers.

What it offers: the same area every evening, ten minutes, no appointment necessary. Anyone who wants to try it can find the massage cushion for individual zones and the massage chair For the entire back. Test sitting is available at over 40 locations. locations free of charge.

Briefly summarized

• Shiatsu means finger pressure and is performed while clothed, without oil, on a mat on the floor.
• The pressure is held instead of kneading; the therapist's body weight replaces force.
• A session typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes.
• The pressure is comfortable as long as you can continue breathing calmly.
• A session usually costs between 60 and 140 euros if paid privately; health insurance does not cover it.
• Shiatsu devices mimic the movement, but do not hold pressure at one point.