ExclusiveVerified listingYuki Tanaka
Soho, London
Shiatsu and Thai bodywork, clothed sessions on the mat
5.0 · 2 reviews
Female TherapistsShiatsu MassageThai Massage+1
from £80Incall
Shiatsu Massage
Japanese finger pressure along the meridians, clothed and without oil
Shiatsu is a Japanese therapy rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. The name means finger pressure, and that is the core of it: the practitioner uses thumbs, palms, elbows and sometimes knees to apply sustained pressure along the meridians, the channels through which energy (ki) is understood to flow, together with gentle stretches and rotations of the joints.
It is given on a futon on the floor with the client in loose clothing and no oil, and it feels quite unlike Western massage: slower, more deliberate, with long holds rather than strokes. Practitioners work with the whole body and will often begin by feeling the abdomen (hara) to decide where to focus.
People come to shiatsu for stress, fatigue, back and neck pain, digestive and menstrual problems, and for its calming effect on the mind. Sessions last around 60 minutes. Practitioners registered with the Shiatsu Society have completed a three-year training, and it is worth looking for that on the profile.
Also known as: shiatsu therapy, Japanese pressure point massage, acupressure massage.
Therapists and venues offering shiatsu massage
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear for shiatsu?
Loose, comfortable clothing that covers arms and legs, such as a long-sleeved top and soft trousers. No oil is used and you remain clothed throughout.
How does shiatsu differ from acupuncture?
Both work on the same meridian system, but shiatsu uses pressure from the hands where acupuncture uses fine needles. Many people who dislike needles choose shiatsu for the same complaints.
How much does a shiatsu session cost?
Between £45 and £75 for an hour. Registered practitioners with a full three-year training tend to sit at the upper end.