Shiatsu ("shi" is Japanese for finger and "atsu" is pressure) is a form of natural healing and bodywork based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its origin comes from ancient Chinese techniques, Do-In and anma. Do-In is very similar to yoga while anma resembles more western massage. These two techniques are the oldest forms of medical treatment in the East.
Unlike western style massages, Zen Shiatsu is based on the principle that energy flows like water through the body in a series of pathways called meridians. Sometimes the energy (ki or chi) flow is disrupted or diminished and we may experience discomfort including, but not limited to, muscular pain, headaches, digestive disturbances, PMT, menopausal symptoms, swelling, skin irritations, excess mucous, foggy headedness, memory loss, stress, anxiety, irritability and other emotional imbalances.
Diagnosis in Zen Shiatsu and oriental medicine, is quite different to the western medical approach. Zen Shiatsu takes a very individualised approach. It assesses the energetic and physical balance - or imbalance - within the conditions the individual is presenting, and treats accordingly. So even though two people may be suffering with headaches, the treatment, the choice of meridians, the combination of stretches, would be different.
What is paramount throughout a course of treatments, is to encourage the individual in taking responsibility for maintaining their own health, through choices that support their own health. These choices may be dietary, lifestyle or more fundamental choices about the direction their life is taking.
The purpose of Zen is to achieve enlightenment through the discovery of one's true nature or essence.