Which statement describes a typical shiatsu treatment?

Which statement describes a typical shiatsu treatment?

• A. Bare feet or feet with socks on them are acceptable for the practitioner
• B. Oil-based lotion
• C. Hands-only contact, never feet or body contact
• D. Practitioner should always wear shoes

Answer: (A)

In shiatsu, the practitioner relies on direct contact and weight-based pressure, often using the feet as part of the technique. Being barefoot or wearing socks is common because it allows for better feel, balance, and control of pressure when applying work on a clothed client on a floor mat or futon. Oil-based lotion is not typically used, since shiatsu focuses on contact through the clothing and with built-up body weight, not sliding glides. Hands-only contact would limit the range of techniques used, and wearing shoes would hinder the practitioner’s ability to feel and apply pressure effectively. So the described practice—feet on the client, either bare or in socks—is the typical approach.

In shiatsu, the practitioner relies on direct contact and weight-based pressure, often using the feet as part of the technique. Being barefoot or wearing socks is common because it allows for better feel, balance, and control of pressure when applying work on a clothed client on a floor mat or futon. Oil-based lotion is not typically used, since shiatsu focuses on contact through the clothing and with built-up body weight, not sliding glides. Hands-only contact would limit the range of techniques used, and wearing shoes would hinder the practitioner’s ability to feel and apply pressure effectively. So the described practice—feet on the client, either bare or in socks—is the typical approach.