Shiatsu & The Five Element Theory 

A Japanese massage practice developed over 5,000 years ago. Using finger pressure (and sometimes forearm, knee and foot pressure) and stretches, Shiatsu seeks to balance the flow of life force energy - ki or qi - in the recipient. Meridians (qi pathways) and their corresponding Tsubo points are accessed to bring nourishment to spaces of deficiency and to encourage release in spaces of congestion. Pain is relieved, systemic ease is encouraged and vitality is restored.

Shiatsu is rooted in the alchemical understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Five Element Theory. This theory acknowledges the five essential substances of Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal as essential components of the natural world. On a microscopic level, the human organism must have balanced flow and circulation amongst these elements to live healthy and long. The elements relate to specific organs, meridians, emotions, and seasons.

Like Thai Yoga Massage, Shiatsu is done on the floor with the recipient wearing comfortable loose fitting clothing. Meridian therapy and tsubo pressure is incorporated in Integrative Therapeutic Massage and Body Divine offerings.

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