Shiatsu is an excellent pain reliever for many health conditions such as stress related disorders, endometriosis, menopause (and accompanying symptoms), and constipation. Shiatsu can decrease both the level of fatigue (or tsubo) and stress that has built up in the human body. Shiatsu can improve the circulation of both lymph and blood systems. Shiatsu helps to decrease the stiffness of muscles and joints as it lowers blood pressure. Shiatsu also helps to improve a person's level of energy (or qi), vitality and stamina.



When you decide to begin practicing shiatsu, always dress in loosely-fitting, comfortable clothing that is made of natural as opposed to synthetic fibers. Doing this helps to encourage the flow of positive energy in the body or what is referred to as "ki." Always make sure you practice shiatsu in a room that has plenty of empty space and is uncluttered, clean and very neat. Also make sure the room you practice in is warm and quiet. If you do not do these things then it can have a negative impact on the flow of energy.

The practitioner of shiatsu should lie on the floor for treatment. It is recommended that the person lie on a futon (which is also a quilted form of a Japanese mattress) or else a floor mat. If the patient needs them, pillows and/or cushions can make them even more comfortable.

It is always important to be as comfortable as possible when you are having a shiatsu treatment. Shiatsu is not good to have after a large meal. A lightly-loaded stomach is important for both the receiver and the giver of shiatsu treatment as well. It is best to wait a number of hours after a large meal to have shiatsu or to perform it on another person.

Shiatsu is not recommended for those who have varicose veins. If one does have this problem, one should make sure that no undue pressure is exerted on the sore and swollen veins. In turn no shiatsu pressure should ever be applied to injuries or traumas to the body such as cuts, tears, bruises or breaks in muscles or bones.

Shiatsu is perfectly safe for women who are pregnant. There are four areas, however that should be avoided for pregnant women: the stomach, the legs from the knees and down to the feet, the area at the left and right side of the neck where the shoulder begins and the fleshy area of the skin that is a web like and is located between the thumb and the index finger. It is important to tell the shiatsu practitioner that you are pregnant or that you could be pregnant. It is always important that a pregnant woman about to engage in a shiatsu treatment be both relaxed and as calm as possible.

Shiatsu is a generally safe practice but it should not be performed on everyone. Individuals who suffer from serious health diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and heart disorder should not engage in shiatsu. In some cases an experienced shiatsu practitioner can work on a person with a serious disease but only if he or she has been apprized of the person's health situation and their prognosis.