Shiatsu Technique

Shiatsu technique is a Japanese form of bodywork that incorporates anma (Japanese traditional massage), acupressure, stretching, and Western massage.

By applying pressure to special points or areas on the body, you can maintain physical and mental well being, treat disease, or alleviate discomfort.

Shiatsu Technique for Stress Reduction & Increased Energy

Try the following shiatsu on yourself. If you like only a few, or even just one, practice those techniques two or three times a day. Use your thumbs, fingers, or knuckles as directed.

Note: If any of these techniques cause pain, discontinue them.

• Holding one foot, press your thumbs into the center of the ball of your foot. Then rub your knuckles vigorously across the sole. Repeat on the other side.


• Using the knuckles of each hand, reach around your back and slide up and down each side of the spine, from as high as you can reach down to the low back.


• Intertwine your fingers on the back of your neck and bring your elbows forward. Squeeze your palms toward one another, but do NOT pull the neck forward. Squeeze 5 times or more.


• Rub your hands together vigorously. Then rub the palms briskly on your cheeks, up and down. Then briskly rub the sides of your nose.


• Beginning at the center of the area above the upper lip, use the pad of your thumbs or fingers to press and release every one-half inch until your reach the corner of the lips. Repeat on the area below the lips.


• For anxiety, use your fingertips or knuckles to drum lightly across the entire skull.


• For mental clarity, stick your index fingers in your ears. Twist them back and forth, applying a slight pressure.


• For vitality, squeeze one arm with your fingers. Move up and down the entire arm and repeat on the other side.

Shiatsu Anma Therapy: DoAnn's Short & Long Forms

The Shiatsu Society

American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia