Shiatsu  - is a Japanese form of massage therapy (the word shiatsu means "finger pressure" in Japanese). Advocates say the practice promotes health and healing by correcting energy imbalances in the body.   Shiatsu practitioners use their fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure to points along the body's main energy channels, known as meridians. The goal is to release energy where there are blockages and bring energy into areas that are depleted. Shiatsu, which is similar to acupressure, emphasizes the maintenance of health and the prevention of disease rather than treating a specific ailment.   Using massage to enhance well-being is a tradition that dates back to ancient China. The practice of touching specific points on the body was originally called anmo (anma by the Japanese). Over time, anma was dropped as a medical treatment and was used purely for pleasure and relaxation. In the twentieth century, however, a group of practitioners recognized the value of anma in easing muscle tension and soothing various kinds of aches and pains. They began promoting the art as a way to treat illness and changed the name to shiatsu.   How Does It Work?   Shiatsu is based on some of the same principles as acupuncture, tai chi, and other forms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to TCM, illness is caused by imbalances in the flow of energy (qi in Chinese; ki in Japanese) in the body. Ki can accumulate and become trapped in points along the meridians known as tsubos, which correspond to Chinese acupressure points. Proponents believe that a shiatsu massage focused on these areas can clear blockages and help restore health by allowing energy to travel freely throughout the body.   A more scientific explanation for shiatsu's pain-relieving ability is that it initiates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. It may also lower the levels of adrenaline and other stress hormones in the body, stimulating a relaxation response.   To learn more about Shiatsu please contact: The Shiatsu Society (UK), Eastlands Court, St Peters Road, Rugby CV21 3QP Tel 0845 130 4560 www.shiatsu.org Shiatsu  Practitioners www.shiatsueastlondon.co.uk Shiatsu in Walthamstow and Bethnal Green, East London - Sally Sahajamani   www.bodyofhealth.org Shiatsu, Tai Chi, Stress Management in Bethnal Green, East London - Body of Health   www.pioneeringspirit.net Shiatsu, Chinese Medicine and Complementary Therapy in Kings Norton, Birmingham by Angela Bushaway   www.carolinesalzedo.co.uk Shiatsu practice and teaching in Nottingham by Caroline Salzedo   www.shiatsuhealth.com Shiatsu and Complementary Health in Milton Keynes and London at the Shiatsu Health Centre   www.shiatsu-liverpool.co.uk Shiatsu, Stress Management and On-Site Massage in Liverpool - Andrew Scott   www.shiatsuedinburgh.co.uk Shiatsu, Oriental Massage, Acupressure in Edinburgh by Cynthia Shuken   www.shiatsucoventry.co.uk Shiatsu and Meditation in Coventry and Nuneaton by Donna Willis   www.shiatsulondon.net Shiatsu in Chelsea, West and Central London by Spencer Grossmith   www.jamesadamsonshiatsu.co.uk Shiatsu, Acupressure, Complementary Therapy in Bristol - James Adamson Shiatsu   www.ChippingSodburyShiatsu.co.uk Shiatsu in Chipping Sodbury, near Bristol and Bath - Andy Morgan   www.shiatsu-leesanger.co.uk Shiatsu Massage and Qigong in Amersham and Marlow, Buckinghamshire - Lee Sanger Shiatsu   www.shiatsunorthwest.co.uk Shiatsu and Zen Shiatsu practitioner, in Wirral and Merseyside - Karen Phillips   www.shiatsu.webhealer.net Shiatsu, Winchmore Hill, North London, for Women and Older people

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