What is shiatsu and what is it for?

By Jacqueline, massage therapist trained in Shiatsu Zen, sees clients in São José dos Pinhais and Curitiba

How it works in practice

During the session, I work with my hands and fingers, applying firm, steady pressure to points on the body linked to the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. I don't use oil, and you wear light, comfortable clothes the whole time. The pace is slower than a regular relaxing massage, because the effect of shiatsu comes from holding pressure on each point over time.

Each session lasts about an hour, and I adjust the pressure and the points based on what you tell me before we start. Tension headaches, a stiff shoulder and mild insomnia usually call for different points than anxiety, for example.

Who shiatsu is for

• People who carry tension in the neck, shoulders or back because of their work routine
• People who feel anxious or find it hard to slow down at the end of the day
• People who have tried a regular relaxing massage and felt the effect didn't last
• People with recurring tension headaches and no identified medical cause

Shiatsu does not replace medical care. If the pain is recent, very strong, or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor first before booking a massage.

What science says

Where to get shiatsu with Jacqueline

I offer shiatsu at Essência do Cuidar, in São José dos Pinhais, every day, with at least 1 day's notice. I also see clients in Curitiba and do home visits, for anyone who prefers a session at home.