Zen Shiatsu

with Louis Knox

Shiatsu means Òfinger pressure" in Japanese. Zen Shiatsu is a style of body work that has been available worldwide since the 1970's. It was developed by Doctor Masanaga, a psychologist who studied the acupuncture meridians and created this new form of shiatsu.

From the Western perspective Zen Shiatsu, like massage, is a type of body work, but it places special emphasis on working on certain lines up and down the body that are thought to affect different organ systems and areas of dysyfunction or pain in the body. We also do joint rotations and stretches to increase flexibility for added range-of-motion.

From the Eastern perspective, we are either increasing the flow of energy in the meridians or unblocking stagnation in the meridians so that the energy can move more freely. Asian medicine and philosophy are based on the concepts of Yin and Yang, and the 5 elements or phases: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Different organ systems are categorized as belonging to one of these 5 elements. Zen Shiatsu tries to affect the meridian that is related to the element that is most out of balance. In this way, it has a positive affect on all the corresponding organs related to that element.

Clients often report feeling rejuvenated and more relaxed after a Zen Shiatsu treatment, with less discomfort and greater ease of movement. The client is fully-clothed (except for needing to remove their shoes) during the appointment. Appointments are available either for a 45-minute session on a chair, which costs $40, or else for a hour-long session on a mat, which costs $60.

You can make appointments with Louis by calling the Center at (512) 441-8988 or by sending an email to [email protected].