Shiatsu is a Japanese form of hands-on bodywork using pressure, touch, stretching and movement.

It developed from traditions of East Asian medicine and shares concepts such as Qi/Ki and meridians with traditional acupuncture.

Unlike acupuncture, Shiatsu does not use needles.

Not exactly, but they are related.

Shiatsu and acupuncture share aspects of their traditional East Asian philosophy, including the concepts of Qi and meridians.

Acupuncture uses needles at selected points, whereas Shiatsu is hands-on bodywork involving pressure, movement and stretching.

We sometimes describe Shiatsu as the bodywork relative of acupuncture because that gives new clients an easy way to understand the connection without suggesting the two treatments are identical.

Both involve hands-on bodywork, but the experience is different.

Shiatsu is normally performed through clothing and doesn’t usually use massage oils.

Alexandra uses pressure with her hands and thumbs together with stretching and movement.

Shiatsu also comes from a traditional East Asian framework involving concepts such as meridians and Qi/Ki.

Many people choose Shiatsu specifically because they find the experience deeply relaxing.

Stress can also have physical effects, such as muscular tension and changes in breathing, sleep and how comfortable your body feels.

Shiatsu provides quiet, hands-on treatment intended to help you physically relax and move towards a calmer state.

It isn’t a substitute for appropriate medical or psychological care where stress, anxiety or another mental health problem requires professional treatment.

We wouldn’t describe emotions as literally becoming stored inside particular muscles or tissues.

However, emotional stress can have very real physical effects. People may tense their shoulders, clench their jaw, alter their breathing, sleep poorly or feel generally physically guarded when under pressure.

Some people therefore describe the experience of finally relaxing physically as an “emotional release”.

Alexandra works sensitively with that mind–body connection without assuming that everybody will have the same experience.

Many people experience Shiatsu as calming and deeply relaxing.

Slow, comfortable touch and quiet bodywork can help create the conditions in which someone feels able to stop bracing and settle.

Rather than promising that Shiatsu medically “resets” your nervous system, we describe the intended experience more simply:

Helping your body move towards a calmer, more relaxed state.

Shiatsu can involve hands-on pressure, movement and stretching around the shoulders, neck and upper back.

If your shoulders feel tense — particularly during stressful periods or after long working days — Alexandra can focus part of your treatment on these areas.

Persistent, severe or unexplained shoulder pain may need an appropriate musculoskeletal or medical assessment.

Potentially, yes.

Some people choose Shiatsu for relaxation and treatment while separately receiving physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture or other healthcare for a specific problem.

What is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances.

People with muscular back tension may find Shiatsu comfortable and relaxing, particularly where their back feels tight or tense.

Alexandra particularly enjoys working structurally with the back using pressure and stretching.

However, back pain has many possible causes. Shiatsu shouldn’t replace appropriate assessment where pain is significant, persistent, worsening or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.