How to Do Shiatsu Massage

Overview

To perform a true shiatsu massage, you would need to study for several years at a special school, preferably in Japan. However, anyone can understand the basic concepts of shiatsu massage and apply them to someone very lucky. The key difference between regular massage and shiatsu is that you take time to "listen" to the energy of the other person.

Step 1

Begin by making sure you will not be disturbed for at least an hour. Take some time to "tune in" to your partner. Breathing in unison for several minutes will allow the two of you to combine your energies so the massage will have a great effect.

Step 2

Ask your partner to lie on his stomach. Begin the massage by kneading the body thoroughly with the palms of the hands, starting at the toes and working up. Use moderately firm pressure. At this time, do not dwell on any particular muscle group, but "listen" with your hands to detect areas of tightness or heat. Make a mental note of these areas because you will go back to them later.

Step 3

Start the shiatsu massage beginning at the top of the head. Use your thumbs on either side of the midline of the body. Combine firm stroking motions with small circular motions and primarily use your thumbs. Work your way down the head to the neck, listening with your hands for tight or "hot" spots.

Step 4

Take more time massaging the tight or hot spots. Remember that the energy block begins somewhere above or below where you feel the heat, so you must massage a large area to release it. Your purpose with these movements is to regulate the flow of energy and bring it into proper alignment with other energy centers.

Step 5

Use your thumb near tight muscles to find the nearest hollow or depression between bone and muscle. Settle the pad of your thumb in the hollow and begin to press gently at first with increasing pressure. Do not hold the pressure longer than 10 seconds. If the tightness does not release, press again in the same place. Repeat no more than four times in the same spot, even if the area remains tight. Make a mental note to work on this area more the next time you are giving a shiatsu massage.

Step 6

Go over the entire body in this manner, taking your time and using your thumbs and forefingers to apply most of the pressure. You will also use the palms of your hands to massage larger areas. Complete the journey with a thorough massage of the feet, including each toe.

Step 7

Position yourself with one hand in the small of the back and the other resting between the shoulder blades, after you finish massaging the feet. Breathe in unison with your partner for several minutes, releasing any pent-up energy and relaxing completely. Break contact gently and allow your partner to rouse in her own time.