Mark Johnston wasn't even thinking about going for a shiatsu treatment, until a friend suggested that Mark go too. "When I went for a shiatsu massage the first time, I was a bit scared, because I didn't know what to expect," he said.

Like Mark, I too was completely in the dark about this new-age treatment. What is a shiatsu massage? Who does it? Why and where would you go for one?

So I went in search of a shiatsu therapist to find out more.

"Shiatsu uses age old methods based on traditional Chinese medicine theory as its foundation," says Fred Albrecht, a shiatsu practitioner at the Body Management with Shiatsu clinic.

"The theory (Chinese medical theory, that is) shaitsu is used to find imbalances in the body, and then uses physical massage techniques to bring the body back into balance," he explained. "Like with many other Chinese healing methods, shiatsu not only works on a physical level, but on a mental, emotional and spiritual level as well."

Albrecht said that anyone can go for a shiatsu massage. What makes it even better is that clients remain fully clothed, which adds to their comfort.

People use shiatsu to treat various conditions, from easing tense muscles to healing injuries.

"Every massage differs to suit the physical state of each person — the massage given to a strong, masculine rugby player will differ from the one given to a frail elderly person," he said.

Mark went for shiatsu to ease tense muscles after sport. His therapist used the palms, fingers, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure to the various points on his body.

"It's like acupuncture without the needles, and although the pressure applied was at times, quite painful, it was a good pain, because I could actually feel the tension being released from my muscles," Mark said.

"It was never unbearable."

A shiatsu massage can last for up to one hour and 20 minutes, and because it is a maintenance therapy you will only feel the complete benefits after a few sessions.

"The amount of sessions attended by the client will depend on the client's condition, once or twice a week for more serious conditions, and once a month for others," Albrecht said.

What can shiatsu do for you?

Like with many other forms of massage, shiatsu stimulates your circulation, affects the flow of energy and body fluids throughout the body, and strengthens the immune system.

In so doing, it has a detoxifying effect and makes you feel more relaxed.

It can also be effective in treating conditions such as headaches, constipation, insomnia, stress, injuries, aching muscles and even digestive and menstrual problems.

Albrecht emphasised that it's not a medical treatment and people must know that it only treats the body by balancing and restoring the energy systems.

Mark experienced no negative effects after the massage, and was instructed to drink lots of water to help rid toxins from the body.

"I felt more relaxed and my muscles felt less tense too, I'll definitely go back for another session," he said.

"When I left, it felt like I was walking on air."

Contact Body Management with Shiatsu clinic at 021 906-3794.