1. Discover Meridians and Acupressure Points
Shiatsu differs from the more traditional, Swedish massage. It is true that in both styles the client is lying prone on a padded table. However, Swedish massage uses long, smooth strokes to work muscle tissue, whereas shiatsu uses the firm, focused pressure of a finger, knuckle or even elbow to stimulate one area for periods of 30 seconds or longer. The purpose of this is to dissolve areas of blocked energy, or Qi (pronounced "chee"). According to shiatsu practitioners, there are various "meridians," or lines running up and down the body, that correspond to the body's various organs. For instance, the gallbladder meridian runs up the outside of the leg, and stimulating sore spots or "knots" in this area is believed to restore the gallbladder to sound working order. Meridian charts can be found in Asian herb shops and health food stores and are nearly always incorporated into books of reflexology.
2. Find a Shiatsu Class
Massage schools are expanding their repertoires with offerings such as reflexology, shiatsu and even energy healing work. Call local massage schools and ask if they offer shiatsu courses. If so, ask if you can take these by themselves or if you need to be enrolled in the broader massage program to do so. Also, you can ask local massage schools to refer you to local shiatsu practitioners who can, in turn, refer you to an educational center that offers classes in that modality.
3. Learn by Video
These days you can learn everything--from yoga to personal finance and foreign languages--by video, and there are massage and shiatsu videos on the market in a range of styles. Rent one at a local video store. If you find a shiatsu video that offers precise instruction, clear visuals and an easy-to-understand overview of the philosophy and intent behind shiatsu, you can consider buying your own copy. You may want to compare clinical-style videos to more mass-market styles, which may offer prettier visuals but less comprehensive instruction.
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