How to Prepare for Shiatsu Massage

Video Transcript

So for shiatsu the set up is very simple. You just need a nice area room. No props are needed - no props are needed, not a massage table, no oils are used. It's best to have a soft-cushion or a carpet or a rug, or even a futon if you have it. As far as what you should wear, make it loose-fitting clothing and lose the jewelry if you can. I like to start as the practitioner with a very simple meditation, just to get centered, that my energy is also relaxed and calm. The abdominal area is called the hara, and we'll be talking about the hara later on. This is also where the ch'i comes from. When you're centered, you have very strong ch'i. If you can close your eyes and imagine filling up your stomach with very strong ch'i. When you inhale, you're taking strong ch'i in, expanding the belly, exhaling and letting the ch'i go. [Takes a few deep breaths] Try to do that for 5 or 10 minutes. If how I'm sitting is uncomfortable for you, you can also sit in a very simple cross-legged position as long as you're grounded. Try to get relaxed in the ch'i. I think we're ready to start.