What is shiatsu?
Shiatsu therapy in Chicago is a deeply grounding form of Asian bodywork therapy, using palms, thumbs, and rhythmic pressure along meridian channels—our body’s rivers of Qi—to gently relax, heal, and restore energetic flow.
How a Session Works
Rooted in Chinese Medicine and enriched with acupressure—similar to acupuncture—Shiatsu addresses internal imbalances and physical tension through a mindful blend of holding, stretching, tapping, kneading, and thoughtful manual techniques. This meridian-based work may also include cupping, gua sha, or targeted dietary and movement suggestions to support your body’s natural homeostasis.
What to Expect
During your fully clothed session on a floor futon, the practitioner subtly adjusts your posture to access acupressure points using thumbs, palms, elbows, or even gentle pressure from feet. These techniques are tailored to your body’s energetic state—whether stimulating circulation or diffusing stress—to harmonize energy and relieve pain.
Who Benefits Most
Shiatsu is ideal for anyone in Chicago experiencing low back or neck pain, digestive upset, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, or emotional trauma. It’s especially powerful for calming the nervous system, soothing chronic aches, or guiding you through emotional healing and restoration.
Testimonials
“I was definitely surprised by the meditative aspect of this Shiatsu. It helped calm my overactive thinking…” — Jess K.
“The Shiatsu treatment series yielded an important breakthrough in my understanding of a longstanding chronic injury…” — Jeff S.
“I was definitely surprised by the meditative aspect of this Shiatsu. It helped calm my overactive thinking and gave me a sense of mental ease I wasn’t anticipating. Angela had the ability to feel areas of tension that I didn’t know were there myself. She helped me relax emotionally in addition to physically bringing my energy level down to help regulate my emotions prior to the session.”
“The Shiatsu bodywork experience tuned me into my body more. An important takeaway for me is that I need to keep paying more attention to how I care for my body.”
“I wanted to focus on my old neck/shoulder injuries—the Shiatsu released tension in those areas in a way that was amazing. I have been suffering for 13 years and tried all sorts of things to find relief, but Shiatsu trumps them all.”
“The Shiatsu treatment series yielded an important breakthrough in my understanding of a longstanding chronic injury/tension in my shoulder.”