What Is Macrobiotic Shiatsu?

Macrobiotic Shiatsu is a therapeutic form of bodywork developed by Shizuko Yamamoto and based on George Ohsawa’s Macrobiotic philosophy.

The term “macrobiotic” or “macrobiotics” refers to embracing life as an integrated whole, a system of holistic principles and dynamic practices that includes the areas of nutrition, daily activity, and lifestyle, in relation to our physical, emotional, mental, social, and environmental health.

The Macrobiotics philosophy also draws from principles found in Zen Buddhism and the Taoist Yin-Yang concept. As a diet, macrobiotics emphasizes the reduction of animal products, the consumption of seasonally and locally grown foods, and eating in moderation.

The Macrobiotic Shiatsu Massage treatment uses touch, pressure, acupressure, and stretches applied with the hands and Barefoot Massage techniques to stimulate the flow of Ki and strengthen both body and mind.

Client assessment and diagnosis play a crucial role and includes visual, verbal, and palpation techniques, such as Hara abdominal palpation, pulse diagnosis, inquiry, and complexion characteristics, among others.

Apart from massage therapy, the treatment may also involve nutritional guidance, herbology and home remedies, breathing techniques, exercises, postural rebalancing, herbal compresses, palm healing, Self-Shiatsu, and Qigong.

An important overall goal of Macrobiotic Shiatsu is to encourage and support the receiver to take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing, that is, to guide the receiver with knowledge, practical tools, suggestions, and advice in making the necessary lifestyle changes to do so.

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