Some people, never having had experience with shiatsu, are often surprised to be invited to recline on a futon in my office. Shiatsu, having the Japanese flavor that it does, is traditionally given on the floor, as the engagement of the practitoner's hara figures very prominently into the session.

The hara, being the abdomen and center of gravity, is believed to be the center also of our physical and spiritual energy. One is most centered, grounded, and intuitive when 'coming from the hara', as any particpant in martial arts knows. When a practitioner works in this way, not only is it a more efficient use of their body weight to deliver deeper but more comfortable pressure with less energy expended, but they also stay grounded and connected enough with their hara, which provides a kind of intuitive feedback for how the receiver is reacting to the treatment. Also a wider range of stretches become possible on the floor.

This is not to say that shiatsu cannot be given on a table (and I do have one if it's requested).  The hara can still be used quite effectively, especially if the table is set low enough to provide the right kind of angle.

Last updated on June 13, 2008 by Gina Loree' Marks