Where did Shiatsu originate? It originated in China at least 2000 years ago. The earliest accounts gave the causes of ailments and the cures that could be brought about through a change of diet and the way of life. Massage and acupuncture were also recommended. The Japanese were practitioners of this massage after it had been introduced into that country and it was known as anma. The therapy that is known today as shiatsu has evolved with time from anma under influences from both the East and the West. In recent years it has gained full recognition and popularity, with people becoming aware of its existence and its benefits.

Although East and West have different viewpoints on health and life these can complement each other. The Eastern belief is of a primary flow of energy throughout the body, which runs along certain channels that are known as meridians. It is also believed that this energy exists throughout the universe and that all living creatures are dependent upon it as much as on physical nourishment. The energy is known by three similar names, ki, chi and prana in Japan, China and India respectively. As in acupuncture, there are certain pressure points on the meridians that relate to certain organs and these points are known as tsubos.

Shiatsu can be used to treat a number of minor problems such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety and back pain. Western medicine may be unable to find a physical cause for a problem and although some pain relief may be provided, the underlying cause of the problem may not be cured. It is possible that one session of shiatsu may be sufficient to remedy the problem by stimulating the flow of energy along the channels. Undertaking an exercise regime with a change of diet and lifestyle may also be recommended. Shiatsu can encourage a general feeling of good health in the whole person and not just in the physical sense.

There are believed to be a number of auras or energy layers that surround the physical body and can be detected or appreciated. The first layer which is known as the etheric body and is the most dense, is connected with the body and the way that it works. The astral body is much wider and is affected by people's feelings. When is is detected by a clairvoyant it is said to change its shape and colour depending on the feelings that are being experienced. The next aura is the mental body which is involved with the thought processes and the intelligence of a person. Similarly, this can also be detected by a clairvoyant and is said to contain 'pictures' of ideas emanating from the person. These first three auras comprise the personality of a person. The last aura is known as the casual body, soul or higher self and is concerned more with perceptive feelings and comprehension.

It is believed in reincarnation that the first three auras die with the body but the casual body carries on its process of development by adopting another personality. As a person grows in maturity and awareness, these different auras are used and energy is passed from one layer to another. It therefore follows from this that any alteration in the physical state will, in turn, affect the other layers and vice versa. It is believed that there are seven main chakras (centre of energy) found in a midline down the body, from the top of the head to the bottom of the torso. They are located along the spiritual channel which is also known as the sushumna. This runs from the crown of the head to the base of the trunk. Energy will enter the channel from both ends. The flow is most efficient when the back is straight. Therefore this is the most suitable posture for meditation or when powers of concentration are required. Each chakra has a component of each aura and it comprises what is known as a centre of concentration. As a person develops the chakra and the aura are activated, beginning with the lowest and moving onto the others over a period of time. There is also a change of energy between the auras of each chakra.

The crown chakra is concerned with the pineal gland, which controls the right eye and upper brain and affects spiritual matters. The ajna, brow or forehead chakra, also known as the Third Eye, is linked with the pituitary gland, which controls the left eye, lower brain, nose and nervous system. It has an effect on the intellect, perception, intuition and comprehension. The throat or expressive chakra is concerned with the thyroid gland and governs the lymphatic system, hands, arms, shoulders, mouth, vocal chords, lungs and throat. It affects communication, creativity and self expression. The heart chakra is concerned with the thymus gland and controls the heart, breasts, vagus nerve and circulatory system and affects self awareness, love, humanitarian acts and compassion. The solar plexus or personality chakra is concerned with the pancreas. It controls the spleen, gall bladder, kidneys, liver and digestive system and stomach and has an effect on desire, personal power and the origins of emotions. The sacral or sexual chakra affects the gonads and controls the lower back, feet, legs and reproductive system. This affects physical, sexual and mental energy, relationships and self worth. The base or root chakra is concerned with the adrenal glands. It controls the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system, skeleton, bladder and kidneys and affects both reproduction and the physical will. As an example of this, if a person is suffering from an ailment of the throat, it is possible that he or she will not be able to voice private thoughts and feelings.