Shiatsu is a contemporary therapy with its roots in Oriental Traditional Medicine. It was developed in Japan from a synthesis of Chinese massage and western physiotherapy techniques. Literally, it means “finger pressure” (“shi” meaning finger and “atsu” meaning pressure), but don’t be surprised if your shiatsu therapist also applies pressure with his or her hands, forearms, knees and even feet.

Shiatsu differs from Western massage in technique as well as in theory. The traditional Oriental medicine that it is based on suggests that we all have a "life force" or ki which created our physical structure and regulates physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stability and runs throughout the body along certain channels known as meridians.
Ki is the energy associated with any movement. It maintains a homeostatic balance in our body, circulating to fill areas where it is lacking and drain off areas where it is excessive. Shiatsu both tones and corrects the flow of ki, thereby helping to restore vitality and prevent disease. Shiatsu practitioners apply rhythmic and gradual pressure to the meridians while the receiver remains clothed. 

Shiatsu in Greece

If you wonder if Greece is the best place to have Shiatsu, just keep in mind that Traditional Oriental Medicine has very much in common with Ancient Greek Medicine. When the Chinese thousand of years ago where talking about Yin & Yang, Hippocrates was referring to the two elements (water & fire) that had different forces: one could not exist without the other but both connected were enough for all. He also talked about four main couples of veins in the human body, very similar to the meridians in traditional Oriental medicine.

So, just relax. You are in good hands. Feel the ki of the sea and the summer wind, of the aroma of the blossom flowers and allow yourself to receive, through shiatsu treatment, care, warmth and healing, meanings that are so familiar with the country you are visiting. 

Where to get a shiatsu treatment? 

Paros

Shiatsu and Reiki in a wonderful Cycladic setting 

Where to stay?

Petres, Naousa 

Western Crete

Enjoy shiatsu as part of a full spa treatment or as a complement to cooking courses 

Where to stay?

Elia, Kolimbari 

Eastern Crete

You can make an appointment with a shiatsu specialist for a treatment in the privacy of your own cottage 

Where to stay?

Aspros Potamos, Makrigialos
White River Cottages, Makrigialos