Shiatsu

at Copenhagen Float

Relieve tension, restore balance

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese bodywork therapy that focuses on applying gentle, rhythmic pressure to specific points of the body to restore balance and support natural healing. It is especially effective for relieving stress, releasing muscle tension, and improving overall physical and emotional wellbeing.

By enhancing energy flow, reducing muscular tightness, and promoting deep relaxation, Shiatsu can help support better posture, mobility, and overall health.

Meet Chiharu

At Copenhagen Float, Shiatsu is offered by Chiharu. She is a RAB-registered acupuncturist and massage therapist, authorised by the Japanese Ministry of Health. She graduated from Toyoshinkyu College of Oriental Medicine in Tokyo and has extensive experience in acupuncture, rehabilitation, and dermatology clinics.

With her calm, intuitive approach and deep understanding of the body’s energy systems, she delivers grounding, restorative treatments that help you return to your natural balance and rhythm.

Chiharu also offers acupuncture

Alongside regular massage and shiatsu, Chiharu is a trained acupuncturist. Sessions support pain relief, stress reduction, and nervous system regulation, working with the body’s natural energy pathways for lasting balance.

Shiatsu FAQ

What is Shiatsu therapy?

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese bodywork therapy rooted in Eastern medicine principles. It involves applying gentle, sustained pressure with fingers, thumbs, and palms along specific points and meridians of the body to support physical and emotional balance, improve energy flow, and encourage the body’s natural self-healing processes.

How does Shiatsu work?

Shiatsu works by stimulating pressure points and energy pathways (meridians) believed to influence the nervous system, circulation, and internal balance. The pressure helps release deep muscular tension, calm the nervous system, and shift the body from a stressed “fight or flight” state into a restorative “rest and digest” state.

What are the benefits of Shiatsu?

Shiatsu can help reduce chronic stress, release deep muscular and fascial tension, improve circulation and lymphatic flow, support better sleep patterns, enhance energy levels, and promote emotional regulation and mental clarity. Many clients also report a stronger sense of grounding and body awareness.

What conditions can Shiatsu help with?

Shiatsu is often used to support people experiencing stress-related conditions such as anxiety, burnout, headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder tension, back pain, digestive discomfort, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. It is also commonly used as a complementary therapy for chronic tension patterns and lifestyle-related imbalances.

Is Shiatsu painful?

Shiatsu is generally not painful. The pressure used is adapted to each person’s sensitivity and needs, ranging from very gentle to deeper sustained pressure. Some areas of tension may feel tender when worked on, but the treatment should remain within a comfortable, tolerable range and often results in a deep sense of release and relaxation.

What should I expect during a Shiatsu session?

A Shiatsu session is typically performed on a mat or low table while fully clothed in comfortable clothing. The practitioner uses palms, thumbs, and sometimes gentle stretches and joint mobilisations to work through tension patterns. Sessions are quiet and meditative, often leaving you feeling relaxed, grounded, and more physically balanced afterward.

Is Shiatsu suitable for pregnant women?

No, shiatsu is not suitable for pregnant women. We have many other treatment forms suited to pregnant women. Get in touch with us on [email protected] or via this contact form, if you would like help choosing a pregnancy treatment.