5 Element Shiatsu

The literal translation of shiatsu is “finger pressure” in Japanese. Although this is a modern word for an ancient form of treatment that dates back 4,500 years ago to China. The earliest text found in the world that discusses massage is the Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine. It dates back to 2,500 BCE.

The intent of this therapeutic modality is to treat the body, emotions, mind, spirit, and overall energy, in order to promote, maintain, and restore an individuals total health and wellbeing.


5 element Shiatsu is a complex system of assessment and treatment using the same 12-meridian energetic system used in Chinese Medicine, which is the basis of acupuncture. There are 12 primary meridians or energetic pathways. These are; heart, small intenstine, pericardium, triple warmer, lung, large intestine, spleen, stomach, kidney, bladder, liver, and gallbladder. These meridians move Chi (energy) and blood. If the flow of chi is insufficient or interrupted illness, or disease can occur. Stiffness or stagnation of blood creates abnormal pressure on nerves, lymph nodes, and blood vessels, which adversely effects the function of the entire body/mind/spirit.


Some of the benefits of shiatsu are;

• Balance the chi flow
• Stimulates the circulation of body fluids
• Stimulates blood vessels
• Encourages the secretion of hormones
• Promotes harmonious function of the nervous system
• Stimulates the normal functioning of the internal organs
• Reduces stess and tension
• Promotes suppleness in the muscle tissue

The subject of the emotional body is very important in an assessment. These aspects of health are given equal weight to the physical condition. In Chinese medicine nothing can be isolated, removed or treated without affecting the balance of the whole.

The practitioner evaluates a patients overall condition, taking into consideration imbalances within the elemental associations of the 5 elements; fire, metal, earth, water, and wood, and the energy of the 12 organs. After gathering as much information as possible in regards to the patients overall condition, the practitioner formulates a specific treatment plan geared towards bringing the person back into harmony.

Some stretches are performed during a treatment to help facilitate the chi and blood to move more freely along the energy channels. Palming, and finger pressure along the meridians and specific tsubos (points) stimulate, or in some cases sedate the energy of that specific organ association to help bring the whole body back to homeostasis.

Milia Lando: Massage Therapist. 828 335 1707