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Shiatsu Massage

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese hands-on therapy based on anatomical and physiological theory of traditional Chinese medicine, especially the meridians and the concept of the five elements. Translated literally, shiatsu means "finger pressure". However, the massage incorporates much more: while the technique primarily involves the hands, especially the thumbs and palms, the elbows, knees and feet are also frequently used to target specific areas. When performing the massage, the masseuse applies gentle pressure using their own body weight rather than relying on pure muscle power. 

The aim of shiatsu is to relieve muscle tension, balance the flow of energy along the meridians, encourage physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, and stimulate the body's regenerative powers.

The sensual, second half of this massage consists of soft, attentive stroking movements and gentle, tender caresses all over your body - in particular, your erogenous zones - and culminates in a stimulating massage of your genital area. Here, we use our imaginative and varied bodywork technique based on Far Eastern principles to provide you with maximum pleasure.  

Indulgence sessions and prices

60 MinutesCHF 270.-Euro daily rate
90 MinutesCHF 370.-Euro daily rate
120 MinutesCHF 470.-Euro daily rate

Appointment

Contact us daily from 09:45 - 24:00

+41 44 202 23 40 office@andana.ch

Products and ambiance

The shiatsu massage is performed "dry" without using oil or lotion on a futon.

 

More information

Shiatsu is a Japanese finger pressure massage, which has evolved from Chinese massage. It is a form of physical therapy that helps to resolve both physical and mental problems. Shiatsu can also be used for prevention. It is not really a wellness massage, but rather a type of holistic bodywork which stimulates the flow of life energy.

There are many different forms of massage currently available. This makes it very difficult for anyone to have an overview of which massage is suitable for which condition, or if a particular method would be appropriate for him/her. The situation was similar in Japan in the early 20th century. At that time, various forms of energetic bodywork and manual treatment methods were brought together and presented under the term "Shiatsu". The aim was to distinguish the more medically-oriented applications from the wellness and pure relaxation massages. Recent developments show that it is impossible to make such a strict distinction, though, because Shiatsu is used increasingly purely for relaxation and not for any medical purposes.

Shiatsu means "finger pressure"

Even though the Japanese term "Shiatsu" means "finger pressure", the entire body is used. Shiatsu therapists must be in perfect control of their body because they work with their whole weight. Muscle strength is not the deciding factor but the skill of the therapist to shift his/her body weight in such a way to affect certain points of the client's body. This demands a wealth of experience, empathy and awareness, because the Shiatsu practitioner must sense where energy blockages are to then work on these with the massage.

The word "finger pressure" goes back to the fact that this Japanese form of massage is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and that the energy pathways in the body are to be selectively stimulated. Just as with Tuina or acupressure, the aim is to remove any blockages on the meridians. These blockages may manifest in muscle stiffness, pain or movement restrictions, for example. It is advisable to consult a doctor, who is familiar with TCM, in order to identify the meridians which are impaired, and in which way. The doctor will also be able to determine the energetic condition of the patient. However, this is not required for a conventional Shiatsu massage. If relaxation is the sole aim, the practitioner can locate and release tension or stiffness.

Shiatsu in practice

Not all Shiatsu is the same. There are different forms of this Japanese massage. The meridian-based Masunaga style is commonly used in the West but in Asia, the Namikoshi style is more established. Namikoshi was the founder of the most influential Japanese school of Shiatsu. Today, most of the development of Shiatsu actually happens outside that country, because the most important proponents of the technique are not from Japan.

During a normal Shiatsu session, the client lies on a mat on the floor or on a futon. Treatments may also take place on a treatment couch or massage stool. The traditional way however, is with the client on the floor. The practitioner treats the meridians with his/her fingers, palms, elbows and knees. Gentle rhythmic movements are applied as well as those that reach deeper physical areas. Energetic techniques also play a role, but these demand a high degree of empathy on the part of the therapist. Stretching and rotational movements may also be included in a Shiatsu session. The characteristic feature is that practitioners use their whole body, e.g. they might bring their whole body weight to bear on one single point with simple hand-body contact in order to bring about a release. Shiatsu therapists always work from the middle of their body because according to Japanese thinking, the Hara, i.e. the energetic centre of a person, is situated there. On a physical level, the middle of the body is located where the centre of gravity is in a person that is standing upright. To be able to work from their centre, practitioners must be relaxed so that the centre of gravity rests just below the navel and the body weight can be distributed most effectively.