About shiatsu
Shiatsu therapy is an effective and gentle Japanese manual therapy. Sessions are given on a futon to maximize the relaxation and grounding. In addition, a wide range of mobilizations and stretches are applied to facilitate a natural energy flow .
Patients wear comfortable clothes to receive a session which lasts approximately 50-60 min.
During your first appointment there will be a short intake about your main complaints , medical history as well as your general well being.
A holistic hands-on approach
Shiatsu therapy looks at the physical complaint of a patient holistically. The supportive touch of shiatsu can help alleviate symptoms of discomfort as well as offer patients the chance to find deep rest.
Furthermore body sensations and emotions are welcomed in a session. Sensations can inform the patient of his own condition, thereby empowering him/her to take responsibility for their own healing process.
How does shiatsu work?
Originally based on traditional Japanese medicine, Shiatsu therapy consists of gentle touch, acupressure , joint mobilization and stretches while using the meridian energy of the body. This meridian system maps the entire body and reflects the health condition of a patient. A shiatsu practitioner can treat areas of blockage or dysfunctions while supporting the self-healing capacity of the body.
Yin Yang energy
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) , each organs of the body has a specific energy (yin or yang) which reflects the polarity of the universe. This energy is both active and receptive, nurturing yet dynamic. The energy of Yin and Yang is like a dance of polarity which balances and finds harmony within chaos.
The Yin and Yang connect the body through energy channels called meridians. In ancient times, doctors mapped theses regions of the body in a way that reflected the working of the internal organs. This meridian system forms a unique map of the human energy field and is the basis for shiatsu therapy.
Internal Organs
According to Traditional Chinese medicine each organ is related to a specific meridian channel. In turn, each meridian acts as a messenger of vitality. Organs can become deficient or excessive due to unhealthy lifestyle or weak constitution. Such imbalance can affects the inner balance and proper functioning of the body. Over time, we lose the ability to compensate this imbalance and may develop symptoms of chronic illness.
Therefore the art of traditional Chinese medicine is to harmonize the yin and yang aspects of the body and restore balance in its organic function.
Shiatsu helps with:
- back, neck and shoulder pain
- mobility and balance
- stress, anxiety and burnout
- sports injuries and RSI
- chronic muscular tension
- preventive body care and body awareness
- fatigue or low energy
- restoring balance after periods of physical or emotional strain
About Kay Patru
Kay Patru is a co-founder of Medicine Body Studio and a bodywork practitioner specializing in Soma Shiatsu, somatic therapy, deep tissue treatment, and movement-based body awareness. His work focuses on supporting mobility, pain relief, nervous system balance, and a deeper connection between body and mind.
Trained as a certified Shiatsu practitioner at the Iokai Shiatsu School in Amsterdam, Kay integrates traditional shiatsu principles with contemporary somatic practices and movement work.
His approach combines hands-on bodywork with somatic awareness and mindful movement, helping clients release tension, improve posture and mobility, and develop greater sensitivity to their physical and energetic patterns.
Kay has a long-term background in movement and meditation practices, including Qi Gong, Authentic Movement, and body-based inquiry methods, which inform his sessions. His focus is on helping people feel more grounded, present, and connected to their bodies, while supporting overall well-being