Shiatsu Massage: Gentle, Whole-Body Support
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese bodywork therapy rooted in East Asian medicine. The word shiatsu translates to “finger pressure,” reflecting its use of gentle, sustained pressure along the body’s energy pathways, as well as careful stretching and supportive touch.
Unlike massage styles that focus primarily on muscles, shiatsu works with the body as an integrated system—supporting circulation, nervous system regulation, and overall balance. Sessions are typically done fully clothed and are adapted to each person’s comfort level, needs, and stage of life.
At InnerSpring WellBeing, shiatsu is offered as a calming, grounding form of care that supports both physical ease and emotional well-being.
How Shiatsu Works
Shiatsu is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but uses no needles. It works along meridians—pathways described in Chinese and Japanese medicine that relate to organ systems and physiological function.
By applying gentle pressure and supportive movement, shiatsu may help:
- Improve the circulation of blood and lymph
- Calm an overactive nervous system
- Reduce muscular tension without force
- Support digestion, sleep, and stress regulation
- Encourage the body’s natural self-regulating capacity
Many people experience shiatsu massage as deeply relaxing, yet subtly energizing. The effects often extend beyond the session itself, supporting a greater sense of balance and resilience over time. Shiatsu is also particularly well-suited for people who are uncomfortable with acupuncture needles but would like to experience some of the same regulatory and calming benefits that acupuncture offers. When used alone or alongside other integrative therapies, shiatsu provides a nurturing, grounding form of care that meets the body where it is.
Shiatsu and Reproductive Health
Because shiatsu massage supports circulation, hormonal communication, and stress regulation, it is often used as part of holistic fertility and reproductive care.
Shiatsu may be helpful for:
- Menstrual discomfort or cycle-related tension
- Stress associated with fertility challenges
- Supporting overall pelvic and abdominal circulation
- Complementing acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition
Rather than targeting a single symptom, shiatsu supports the whole system, helping the body function more smoothly and adaptively—an important foundation for reproductive health.
Shiatsu During Pregnancy
Shiatsu massage can be safely adapted for pregnancy when provided by a trained practitioner. Treatments are gentle, supportive, and responsive to the changing needs of the pregnant body.
During pregnancy, shiatsu is often used to:
- Ease back, hip, and pelvic tension
- Support circulation and reduce swelling
- Promote relaxation and better sleep
- Calm the nervous system during a time of change
Sessions are always tailored to the gestational stage and individual comfort, with positioning and pressure adjusted carefully. Many pregnant patients find shiatsu deeply reassuring.
Postpartum Shiatsu: Supporting Recovery and Rebalancing
The postpartum period is a time of significant physical and emotional transition. Shiatsu massage can offer gentle support as the body recovers from pregnancy and birth and begins to re-establish balance.
Postpartum shiatsu massage may help:
- Ease muscular tension from nursing, carrying, and disrupted sleep
- Support emotional well-being and nervous system recovery
- Encourage circulation and energy flow as the body heals
- Provide restorative care during a demanding phase of life
Because shiatsu is non-invasive and adaptable, it can be especially appropriate for new mothers who want supportive care without deep pressure or intensive techniques.
A Gentle Invitation
Shiatsu meets the body where it is. If you’re curious about whether this form of bodywork may be supportive for you, we’re happy to talk through your questions and help you decide what feels right. You can contact Joy Mandler here.
When you’re ready, we’d be honored to support you.
Joy Mandler, LMT, ABOTA, has 25+ years of extensive perinatal care experience and is a certified doula. She is also a Reiki Master and incorporates Reiki into all of her sessions.