The Experience
HeartMind Shiatsu, developed by Matthew Sweigart, is practiced in a traditional Japanese manner, on a futon on the floor. The receiver remains fully clothed in light, comfortable attire that affords freedom of movement while maintaining modesty. There are no lotions or oils used in the work, and bare skin contact is not part of the method. Rather, the body’s energy field is palpated through methods of compression, stretching and mobilization. Multiple points of contact using thumbs, finger, palms, forearms, elbows knees and feet are utilized along with specialized stretches and mobilizations that activate the energy channels of the body. The activations are designed to promote balance and harmony within the energetic field of the receiver, bringing about the cessation of disharmony, dissonance and disease.
Based in the philosophy of Mind/Body Wholism, the activation of the energy channels has effects on all levels of Being; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Receivers report a profound journey of experience as they travel through their body’s energy field to discover the root of issues buried within their tissues. Old patterns, beliefs and attitudes that no longer serve are shed in the process and a new found insight and wellness can be realized. Structural issues as well as deep energetic disharmonies can be addressed and remedied through the practice.
Ultimately, this work does not see the body as a machine, rather as a garden in which the processes of life may flourish when conditions for growth are optimized. A good healthy diet, daily exercise, meditation and a proper attitude toward life’s many challenges is emphasized and a wholesome healthy life is supported in the process.
Remember, it is not what is wrong with you, but what is right with you. The natural signals of your body will point the way, if you’ll only get quiet, become aware, and take proper action. HeartMind Shiatsu is here to help you to do just that!
Origins of HeartMind Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a therapeutic bodywork form based in Ancient Japanese practices of touch therapy designed to heal a myriad of common complaints and maladies. Sometimes referred to as Acupuncture Without Needles, Shiatsu has far 
reaching applications for many health concerns from general complaints to advanced disease patterns. It is also highly regarded as a preventative agent, assisting in the maintenance of health and wellness throughout a person’s life cycle.
HeartMind Shiatsu is a style of Shiatsu derived form the lineage of Master Shizuto Masunaga, a 20th Century Clinician renowned for his brilliant clinical skills and insightful contributions to the field. Matthew Sweigart, creator of the HeartMind Shiatsu approach, studied directly with disciples of Masunaga including Master Wataru Ohashi, author of the acclaimed book, Do-It-Yourself Shiatsu. In addition to paying homage to the Masunaga/Ohashi lineage, HeartMind Shiatsu also blends influences from Masters of Classical Chinese Medicine and Masters of the Indigenous Healing Ways of the Americas with whom Matthew has studied and from whom he received influential awakening experiences and teachings.
Click here to read about Matthew and see a short video of him describing his work.
