Widely used in medical settings and charities, Shiatsu looks at all the layers of your body: the bones, muscles, energy, spirit, environmental and emotional aspects, so you can generally expect your problems to get better.

What happens in a Shiatsu session?

The classic treatment is given fully clothed on a futon on the floor. If you're not comfortable either prone or side lying, there will be special cushions to support you so that you can relax comfortably. If you can't manage getting down onto the floor, it is also possible to receive your massage on a couch or sitting in a chair. Sessions start gently, often using 'hara' diagnosis, which involves gentle pressures on different areas of your belly to assess the quality of your energy.

Working on so many different layers means that there's a big variety of touch available in Shiatsu - there is something for everyone. The therapist can use their hands, fingers, arms, knees, feet and body to:

• Work the points along the meridians
• Connect with subtle energetic work
• Gently hold
• Do rocking to help the energy move
• Generate more liveliness with vigorous, strong techniques
• Stretch and ease out tension in the joints