When a Friday 13th rolls around, it’s tempting to stay indoors and hide from the world, but not this month. It’s time to push your comfort zone. And if that zone involves calming music, avoiding your therapist’s eyes as you strip, and lying facedown on a table staring at their manicured toenails, Shiatsu massage will blow your mind.
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1 You can keep your clothes on
For those of us that don't feel 100% comfortable at the idea of getting naked in front of a stranger, this is a plus. Really – there's not a paper knicker in sight. Just make sure you wear something lightweight, as it'll maximise the therapeutic benefits.
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2 It’s not all about the massage
Before your masseuse even lays a finger on you there'll be a full diagnostic. Not the kind you get in a doctor's surgery that fills you with mild rising hysteria. Shiatsu, which means ‘finger pressure', uses tools to figure out the areas that need work. This could involve the therapist taking your pulse, reading your face and looking at your tongue. It's strangely calming.
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3 It's like someone else doing yoga for you
Tip: don't look around for the massage bed when you arrive. You’ll be lying on a floor mat, and your therapist will use a range of movements. Shiatsu can feel like someone performing yoga on you – but with no effort on your part. Genius. Expect kneading, pressing, tapping, joint rotation and stretching. Did we mention rocking? Just go with it – it's all for the healing experience.
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4 Your body – and mind – will thank you
The aim of shiatsu is to harmonise the flow of Qi (said chi or ch-ee) through your body. For the uninitiated, that’s your vital energy. It’s why this type of bodywork is so good for you when you’re not feeling on point. It can soothe physical complaints like indigestion, headaches and PMS & and it's also a good match for emotional issues like stress and fatigue. Not to mention, you'll feel way more in-the-know than everyone else when it comes to the latest Japanese treatments.