Self Shiatsu Massage Routine (seated position)

This massage routine is a great way to nurture oneself.  It is easy to do and is a good way to encourage self reliance and independence in your clients.  They will enjoy the sensations of pressure on their body and are able to regulate the amount of touch.

To teach it, sit in front of your students (or in a circle) so they can follow your movements.  Take your time with each motion.

The points listed in the routine can be useful to strengthen the organ mentioned as well as having a specific purpose.  See the list at the bottom of page for details of points.

  • Sitting comfortably on a chair.
  • Start by chopping your shoulder with the opposite hand, thumb down. (both sides).
  • Then squeeze trapezius muscle with your hand (both sides)
  • Tapping or knock on head (use fingertips or knuckles) all over.  Down through the centre of the head is the Bladder meridian.  Around the ears is the Gall bladder meridian.
  • Press with fingertips into the inner corner of the eyebrow. (Bladder Point 2).
  • Squeeze and press along eyebrow and ridge with finger tips.
  • Press into temple and under cheekbones (Stomach Point 1)
  • Circle around jawline and squeeze chin.
  • Rub hands together vigorously to increase Qi flow.
  • Cup palms over eyes and hold.
  • Cup palms over ears and hold.
  • Circle and press with fingers into hollow end of collar bone (Lung Point 1)
  • Squeeze down arm (inside and out, with thumb facing up resting in lap). This works the Lung and Large Intestine meridians
  • Squeeze and pull fingers individually.
  • Press into point between index finger and thumb (Large Intestine Point 4).
  • (Repeat arm sequence on other arm).
  • Using hands press into belly as you lean forward (optional).
  • Sit with feet together and let knees relax out.
  • Rock body from side to side and use palms, elbows or forearms into tops of leg toward knee. (Spleen meridian)
  • Lean forward and with loose fists, gently pat around lower back area with fists.
  • Finish

Point Descriptions
Bladder Point 2 – blurring of the eyes, redness, pain around the eye
Stomach Point 1 – good for eyes
Lung Point 1 – strengthens immune system, lung conditions such as cough, asthma
Large Intestine Point 4 – tones whole body, moves energy down and disperses.  Good for headaches, nausea, vomiting and constipation