What is Shiatsu ?

The word itself derives from its language of origin, Japanese: shi (fingers) and atsu (pressure). Shiatsu, or “finger pressure”, is based on a system similar to acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicin (TCM), and it continues to spread rapidly in the Western World. It consists of applying manual pressure along the energetic channels, or meridiens, in the body. Light stretching and fluidic movement compliment this process. The goal is to restore and harmonize the free circulation of vital energy, or Qi. The meridiens are linked to the body’s organs and their functions. The circulation of this energy is vital for good health.

Therefore, shiatsu helps us to cope better with daily life, it relaxes and allows us to “let go”, which is less and less easy in today’s society of constant accelaration. Regular sessions reduce stress, eliminate tension, tiredness, restlessness, disturbed sleep and promote well-being, relaxtion, harmony of body and soul. It is a treatment for physical and psychological ailments, especially chronic ones, such as backache, insomnia, digestive issues, asthma, bronchitis, joint pain, nervous depression, burn-out, etc.
Shiatu also reduces the side effects of heavy medical treatments (such as chemotherapy, HIV therapy) and provides much-appreciated support.

The Japanese Ministry of Health has recognized shiasu as a bonafide medical treament since 1951. The official definition is the following: “Shiatsu is a treatment using thumbs and palms to apply pressure on certain points of the human body to correct irregularities and to preserve or improve health”. The Europen Parlement recognised shiatsu as one of eight methods of “non-conventionnal medicine” in 1997.

About me

I discovered shiatsu after a serious operation on my cervical spine: it enabled me to rapidly regain my energy and generally feel better in my body. I no longer suffered from seasonal ailments such as colds, and I felt better equipped to face the pressures of daily life.

I was so impressed by this method that I decided to enroll in a demaning four-year training at the l’École de Shiatsu Thérapeutique (EST) under the direction of Bernard Bouheret — and to go all the way by abandonning a long career as Head of Communictions in the performing arts world to become a professional shiatsu therapist.

The form of shiatsu taught at my school, Sei Shiatsu Dô or “the path of sincere shiatsu”, was initiated by Bernard Bouheret, physical therapist, shiatsu practionneer and teacher of therapeutic shiatsu. He founded his school to share this art of touch for all those who wish to follow the path of sincere shiatsu as an energetic treatment.
Sei Shiatsu Dô alternates between calm and dynamic pressure, between deep rooting and lightness; a balance of rhythm, movement and silence.

What to know

My treatment room is located in my quiet flat in the 11th arrondissement, métro Charonne or Philippe-Auguste.

Shiatsu is applied while you are lying on a futon. Please come equipped with comfortable clothing, if possible non-synthetic, with long trousers and sleeves.
A session lasts about one hour.
Our interaction is of course confidential.

…And if you’re lucky, my cat Tabatha might say hello. Therefore, I cannot welcome people allergic to cats.

Prices

Adults: 50 euro
Students, unemployed, adolescents: 40 euros
Payment in cash or by cheque.
I am a member of the Union francophone de Praticiens de shiatsu thérapeutique (UFPST) and of the Association internationale de Shiatsu thérapeutique (AIST).

Contact

Phone +33 6 72 79 81 55
Email : tomshiatsuparis11@gmail.com
Please feel free to contact me with any questions!

I have been to several Shiatsu practitioners over the past decades and Thomas is top-knotch. Mostly I go to feel re-energized and balanced when I am feeling run-down or stressed, but he has also helped me with back pain and a urinary issue. Thomas has the ‘magic touch’ and I always refreshed and relaxed after a session. My highest recommendation!   — Ann S., Corporate Consultant

Thomas accompanied me during an intensive weekly chemotherapy protocol that lasted six months. I felt that the shiatsu sessions greatly helped attenuate the side effects and regulate my energy level: when I felt weak, the shiatsu gave me energy and when I felt anxious it had a calming effect. My treatment being over, I continue my shiatsu sessions with Thomas and would highly recommend him. — Yana M., dancer and actress.