Zen Shiatsu is a meditative bodywork therapy originating within the Oriental Healing Arts. Zen Shiatsu is distinct from other forms of Shiatsu massage in that it combines deep levels of awareness in order to treat the physical, emotional and spiritual body. It incorporates the theory of acupressure, which proposes that energy moves through the body along well-defined passageways called Meridians. Balance of these energy flows is considered to be essential for health and well-being. The meditative aspect allows for the practitioner's intuition to assist in directing the treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element theory forms the basis of understanding Zen Shiatsu. The practitioner draws from this and specifically the Hara assessment to sense and feel imbalances of the Meridians. A basic principle of Zen Shiatsu is to balance our internal and external environments. Energy, or Ki, is the circulation of life giving energy in the body. It must stay at a balance to maintain good health. Blockages of this energy may result in stagnation, which leads to disharmonies in the body. Symptoms of disharmonies may include stress, anxiety/depression, neck and shoulder tension, headaches, lower back pain and menstrual difficulties - to name a few.

The practitioner uses stretches, placing the client in different positions including lying flat, on the side and sitting. Pressure is applied along the interconnected channels known as meridian pathways. This pressure is applied with the fingers, hands, palms, forearms, knees, elbows and feet.

By rebalancing one's energy, Zen Shiatsu creates a feeling of deep relaxation as well as renewed vitality. As your inner vitality increases, so does an overall sense of well-being along with your body's natural ability to deal with illness and stress. Shiatsu is also a preventative therapy that harmonizes one's physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being