Is Shiatsu Painful?

The most common question I have been asked by new clients is if shiatsu is painful.    During a treatment the pressure applied can be as deep or as light as the client needs.  Some clients may require deep pressure but at times the body is may not respond to deep pressure and light pressure should be applied.  As a shiatsu therapist it is important to keep connected to the client at all times during treatment to apply the most effective treatment. 

No pain, no gain isn’t always the best when it comes to a shiatsu treatment.  I have heard from clients whom have received deep pressure during their treatments and come out feeling sore for days.  In this situation they are arriving for a treatment expecting an uncomfortable treatment and their body is already tense. Their yang energy (protective energy) is very strong.  The body is so guarded bracing for an uncomfortable treatment reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.  In these cases a yin treatment would be best as it helps to reduce the yang energy allowing the body to receive a deeper treatment.  With Yin treatments (light pressure) the body will start to respond to the therapist’s touch, leaving the client feeling relaxed and balanced after a treatment.  Shiatsu’s main purpose is to balance the meridian’s (energetic pathways) and release stagnant energy called tsubo points.  This treatment can be given with deep or light pressure, achieving the same end result.

If you would like to receive shiatsu mini session, I am offering free 20 minute sessions to first time clients at Ottawa Holistic Wellness Clinic.  Feel free to book online at http://ottawaholisticwellness.ca/ or call 613-230-0998 to book your complementary session.