Shiatsu massage therapists in the UK
After the firm finger-pressure of a traditional Japanese shiatsu massage — clothed, no oil? Browse independent therapists in the UK and book directly.
Independent shiatsu massage therapists in the UK
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What is a shiatsu massage?
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage. The therapist applies pressure with their fingers, thumbs and palms along the body's energy lines and points — the name means 'finger pressure'. It's done through clothing, on a mat or couch, without oil, and often includes gentle stretching. It's related to acupressure and is chosen for easing tension, stress and stiffness.
How is shiatsu different from other massages?
Unlike oil massages (Swedish, deep tissue), shiatsu is done clothed and uses pressure rather than gliding strokes — it's closer to acupressure. It shares some ideas with Thai massage (energy lines, clothed, stretching) but is Japanese in origin and generally more static, with sustained pressure held on points rather than the flowing stretches of Thai.
What should I expect during the treatment?
You stay fully clothed in loose, comfortable clothing, so there's no undressing or oil. The therapist applies pressure with fingers, thumbs and palms, sometimes using their body weight, and may include gentle stretches. Tell your therapist your pressure preference — shiatsu can be firm, and it should be comfortable rather than painful.
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Shiatsu massage
A traditional Japanese massage using finger, thumb and palm pressure along the body's energy points — the name means 'finger pressure'. It's done through clothing without oil, often with gentle stretching, and is chosen for easing tension, stress and stiffness.
It's done clothed and uses pressure rather than gliding oil strokes, making it closer to acupressure. It shares ideas with Thai massage (energy lines, clothed, stretching) but is Japanese in origin and more static, holding sustained pressure on points.
You stay fully clothed in loose clothing, so no oil or undressing. The therapist applies pressure with fingers, thumbs and palms, sometimes using body weight, and may include gentle stretches. It should feel firm but comfortable — tell your therapist your preference.
Loose, comfortable clothing you can move and stretch in, similar to Thai massage. You stay fully clothed throughout and no oil is used, so there's no undressing.
Related treatments
Thai massage
Assisted stretching and acupressure performed fully-clothed on a mat.
Reflexology massage
Targeted pressure on the feet to encourage whole-body balance and relaxation.
Ayurvedic massage
Traditional Indian therapy using warm medicated oils and specialist strokes to boost circulation, ease stress and restore balance.
Deep Tissue massage
Firm pressure targeting deeper muscle layers to relieve chronic tension and knots.