What is Shiatsu therapy?
Shiatsu is a complementary hands-on bodywork practice that originated in Japan. It commonly involves manual pressure, touch, and movement applied to areas of the body. Shiatsu therapy at Ikeda Chiropractic is provided separately by Hide. It should be viewed as complementary wellness-oriented bodywork rather than a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment.
If you are searching for Shiatsu therapy in Torrance, CA, you may be wondering what Shiatsu actually involves and how it differs from chiropractic treatment or other forms of bodywork.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health includes Shiatsu among massage traditions that developed from Eastern approaches to bodywork.
Shiatsu traditionally uses hands-on techniques such as pressure, touch, and movement. A systematic review of Shiatsu research also describes techniques involving finger pressure, manipulation, and stretching.
However, research specifically evaluating Shiatsu remains limited. This means patients should be cautious about claims that Shiatsu can diagnose, cure, or reliably treat particular medical conditions.
At Ikeda Chiropractic, Shiatsu therapy in Torrance is provided separately by Hide. Dr. Cliff Ikeda, D.C. provides the clinic's chiropractic services.
What Is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a form of complementary bodywork that developed in Japan. It is part of a broader group of hands-on practices in which a practitioner works manually with the body.
NCCIH lists Shiatsu among massage traditions derived from Eastern cultures. Massage therapy more broadly involves manipulation of soft tissues and includes many different techniques.
Hands-On Bodywork
Shiatsu may include forms of manual pressure, touch, stretching, and movement depending on the style and practitioner.
Complementary Wellness Support
Shiatsu can be approached as complementary bodywork for relaxation, body awareness, and general wellness rather than as a substitute for medical care.
Because Shiatsu styles can differ, patients should ask the practitioner what techniques they use and what they should expect during a session.
How Is Shiatsu Therapy Performed?
Shiatsu is typically performed through direct hands-on contact with the body rather than through exercise equipment or medical devices.
Depending on the practitioner and style, a session may involve pressure applied with the hands or fingers, gentle movement, stretching, or other forms of manual bodywork.
Pressure and positioning should be adjusted to the individual. A patient should communicate if pressure feels uncomfortable or if a particular position causes concern.
Conversation
Discuss what you expect from the session and any relevant health considerations.
Positioning
The practitioner helps establish a comfortable position appropriate for the session.
Manual Pressure
Hands-on pressure or related bodywork techniques may be applied.
Feedback
Communicate throughout the session about comfort and pressure.
What Can You Expect During a Shiatsu Session?
The exact experience can vary depending on the practitioner, the style of Shiatsu, and the individual receiving bodywork.
Before the session begins, it is reasonable to discuss your goals, comfort level, and relevant health information.
During the session, the practitioner may apply pressure to different areas and may use gentle movement or stretching. Communication remains important throughout.
Discuss Comfort & Goals
Let the practitioner know what you are hoping to get from the session and any information that may affect bodywork.
Communicate About Pressure
Tell the practitioner if pressure or positioning feels uncomfortable.
Notice How You Feel
Pay attention to how your body responds and ask questions if something concerns you.
Is Shiatsu the Same as Chiropractic Care?
No. Shiatsu therapy and chiropractic care are separate services at Ikeda Chiropractic.
Dr. Cliff Ikeda, D.C. provides chiropractic consultations, evaluations, X-rays when appropriate, joint manipulation and mobilization, therapeutic modalities, and therapeutic exercises.
Hide provides Shiatsu therapy separately.
What Does Research Say About Shiatsu Therapy?
Research specifically on Shiatsu is limited.
A systematic review examining Shiatsu and acupressure identified only a small number of Shiatsu studies and concluded that the available evidence was insufficient in quantity and quality.
That distinction matters because research on massage therapy, acupressure, or other forms of bodywork should not automatically be treated as proof that Shiatsu has the same effects.
Is Shiatsu Therapy Safe for Everyone?
No complementary bodywork technique should automatically be assumed to be appropriate for every person.
NCCIH states that massage therapy generally has a low risk of harmful effects when performed appropriately, but health conditions, pregnancy, age, medications, or other individual circumstances may affect whether a particular form of bodywork is appropriate.
Tell the practitioner about relevant health conditions that could affect manual pressure or positioning.
Mention recent surgery, procedures, or injuries when they may be relevant to bodywork.
Pregnancy may affect which techniques or positions are appropriate, so discuss it in advance.
Certain medications or health circumstances may influence whether firm pressure is appropriate.
NCCIH advises people not to use massage therapy to postpone seeing a healthcare provider about a medical problem. Shiatsu should not replace appropriate diagnosis or treatment when medical evaluation is needed.
How to Prepare for a Shiatsu Session in Torrance, CA
A little preparation can help make communication with the practitioner clearer and the session more comfortable.
Before your session:
- Tell Hide about relevant health considerations.
- Mention recent injuries, procedures, or areas you do not want pressured.
- Ask what clothing is appropriate for the session.
- Explain your preferred pressure level.
- Ask what positions may be used.
- Speak up immediately if something feels uncomfortable.
- Do not expect Shiatsu to replace evaluation of a medical concern.
Questions to Ask Before Shiatsu Therapy
Asking questions before a complementary bodywork session can help you understand what will happen and whether you feel comfortable proceeding.
Ask what types of pressure, movement, stretching, or positioning may be used.
Discuss your comfort level and whether pressure can be adjusted during the session.
Share relevant health conditions, injuries, procedures, pregnancy, or other concerns.
You should communicate any discomfort or concern during the session rather than waiting until afterward.
Shiatsu Therapy with Hide at Ikeda Chiropractic
Ikeda Chiropractic is located at 17625 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 101, Torrance, CA 90504 .
Shiatsu therapy is provided separately by Hide and focuses on hands-on bodywork, relaxation, body awareness, mobility support, and general wellness.
Dr. Cliff Ikeda, D.C. provides the clinic's chiropractic services. Shiatsu therapy should not be confused with chiropractic treatment.
Continue Learning
Shiatsu Therapy FAQs
What is Shiatsu therapy?
Shiatsu is a complementary hands-on bodywork practice that developed in Japan. Techniques may include manual pressure, touch, movement, and stretching depending on the practitioner and style.
Is Shiatsu the same as massage?
Shiatsu is one of several hands-on bodywork traditions included within the broader field of massage therapy, but its techniques and traditions differ from common Western massage styles.
Is Shiatsu the same as chiropractic care?
No. At Ikeda Chiropractic, Dr. Cliff Ikeda, D.C. provides chiropractic services, while Shiatsu therapy is provided separately by Hide.
Is Shiatsu proven to treat medical conditions?
Research specifically on Shiatsu remains limited and is not strong enough to support broad claims that Shiatsu reliably treats or cures specific medical conditions.
Should Shiatsu replace medical treatment?
No. Shiatsu should be considered complementary bodywork and should not be used to delay appropriate medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Who provides Shiatsu therapy at Ikeda Chiropractic?
Shiatsu therapy at Ikeda Chiropractic is provided separately by Hide.
Where can I request Shiatsu therapy in Torrance, CA?
Ikeda Chiropractic is located at 17625 Crenshaw Boulevard, Suite 101, Torrance, CA 90504. You can request an appointment online or call 310-771-0881 .
Sources & Further Reading
Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know — overview of massage therapy, Eastern massage traditions including Shiatsu, and safety considerations.
View NCCIH Massage Therapy Information →The Evidence for Shiatsu: A Systematic Review of Shiatsu and Acupressure — review of published evidence specific to Shiatsu and acupressure.
View Shiatsu Systematic Review →Safe Use of Complementary Health Products and Practices — general information about safely using complementary health approaches.
View NCCIH Safety Information →