What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu (指圧法) is an ancient Japanese therapy. Literally translated, it means “finger pressure.” This manual, body-oriented treatment is closely related to acupuncture, working with the same meridians and pressure points. Both methods focus on life energy (Ki) and the body’s self-healing abilities. However, instead of needles, Shiatsu practitioners use their hands, knees, and elbows to apply pressure.
Shiatsu applies precise pressure along energy pathways (meridians) to restore balance. This awakens the body’s innate healing capacity, alleviating symptoms and renewing vitality. By fostering deep relaxation, it strengthens the body’s resilience and regenerative power—naturally enhancing well-being and prevention.
Shiatsu addresses a wide range of issues, including back pain, neck and shoulder tension, stress, insomnia, digestive problems, and fatigue. Rooted in Eastern medicine and philosophy, it takes a holistic approach to health—fundamentally different from Western medicine. Shiatsu is not an “alternative” treatment but rather a complementary practice that works alongside conventional medicine.
SHIATSU HELPS WITH:
Fatigue | Stress | Burnout
Back- | Neck- | Shoulder problems
Muscle- | Joint Disorders
Insomnia | Restlessness
Digestive Issues
Headaches | Migraines
Menstrual | Menopause Issues
Physical Discomfort
Emotional imbalances
Low Immunity
Zeer professionele, kundige en empatische therapeut. Dankbaar voor dit adres !
Ik ben inmiddels vier keer bij Stan geweest en elke behandeling is anders, volledig afgestemd op hoe ik me op dat moment voel. Stan luistert met oprechte aandacht naar mijn verhaal en klachten, maar voelt ook feilloos aan wat mijn lichaam nodig heeft.
Na iedere sessie ga ik ontspannen naar huis, zijn mijn pijnklachten verdwenen en heb ik het gevoel dat alles weer stroomt in mijn lichaam. Zijn behandelingen doen mij ontzettend goed.
Dankjewel voor je deskundigheid, betrokkenheid en bijzondere manier van werken.
Treatment Method
Shiatsu treatments are given the traditional Japanese way at Zentai. This involves lying on a comfortable futon (布団: a Japanese cotton-filled mattress) on the floor. Due to hygiene and corona measures, we ask that you bring a towel to lie on.
With Shiatsu therapy, blockages and imbalances in the meridian system are detected, diagnosed and treated. So that the energy can flow freely again. Specific complaints are thus relieved, overall health is promoted and resistance increases. For the treatment, wear comfortable, light clothing without buttons and zippers. During the massage you remain fully clothed. The massage works through the clothing. The “Zen-shiatsu” style used was developed by Shizuto Masunaga (1925-1981). Masunaga grew up in a family of Shiatsu practitioners and blended traditions from classical shiatsu with Chinese medicine and Western psychology. He also refined age-old diagnostic methods from shiatsu during the same period. He named his method Zen Shiatsu to confirm the kinship between his approach and the spirituality of the Zen Buddhists in Japan.
A session takes 60 - 70 minutes.
The massage is traditionally given on a futon mat.
Wear thin, comfortable clothing without buttons and zippers.
Bring your own towel to lay on.
Depending on your preference, we may/ may not wear mouth guards.
Rates & Insurance
Shiatsu treatment Adult
Shiatsu treatment Child (up to 17 years)
Clients with supplementary health insurance can often receive partial reimbursement for my certified shiatsu treatments. Click this link to check if your health insurance covers Shiatsu: www.zorgwijzer.nl/vergoeding/shiatsu-therapie#vergoedingen.
About me
My name is Stanley Sie. I live in Amstelveen with my two children Senna and Panck and our two cats Yuki and Nori. I come from a family that largely consists of medical professionals; general practitioners, neurologists, dentists, surgeons, psychiatrists, acupuncturists and pharmacists. I myself decided to follow my own path and preferred a creative profession.
Over the years as a freelancer in the creative sector, things began to fray: I felt that something was still missing. After some drastic events, I felt an emerging desire to bring a broader, more meaningful, less commercially driven and more personal dimension to my work. During this process, I became fascinated and inspired by the art of Shiatsu. I recognized many parallels to my life; my Asian roots, my family background of medical professionals, my practice of yoga & martial arts, my passion for craft and my interest in Buddhism. I decided to follow my heart, develop further and master the art of Shiatsu.
- 2020 – 2021 | Iokai Shiatsu Year Training – Amsterdam
- 2021 – 2024 | Zen Shiatsu Year Training – Joyce Vlaarkamp – Amsterdam
- Sept 2022 | Zen Shiatsu Masterclass Masunaga – Haruhiko Masunaga – Amsterdam
- Jun 2023 | Iokai Shiatsu Seminar – Kazunori Sasaki – Marrakech
- Sept 2023 | Extraordinary Vessels Masterclass – Oda Meiberg – Amsterdam
- Oct 2023 | Wisdom Qigong & Iron Shirt Qigong Seminar – Mantak Chia – Amersfoort
- Apr 2024 | Chi Nei Tsang Training (visceral massage) – Maartje Huibers – Amsterdam
- 2024 – 2025 | Extraordinary Vessels Year Training – Oda Meiberg – Amsterdam
- 2025 | Assistent Shiatsu course – Monika Forster – Amsterdam
- Jun 2025 | Anpuku Training weekend – Ivan Bel & Manuela Perardi – London
- Jun 2025 | Masterclass weekend Masunaga – Haruhiko Masunaga – Amsterdam
- Jul-Aug 2025 | Chi Nei Tsang Training (visceral massage) – Mantak Chia – Chiang Mai
- Aug 2025 | Nuad Thai Training (traditional thai massage) – Wat Pho School – Bangkok
- 2025 – 2026 | Assistant Zen Shiatsu Training – Joyce Vlaarkamp – Amsterdam
FAQ
Below is a list of common questions. Is your question not listed? Then send an email to info@zentaishiatsu.nl or call: 06 -1468 5747.
A massage lasts a minimum of 70 minutes. Including a brief reception and preliminary discussion. Are you coming for the first time? Then we start with an intake; the total treatment then takes about 90 minutes.
Shiatsu, like acupuncture, is based on the meridian system and traditional Eastern medicine. Ki (life energy) flows along these meridians throughout our body. It regulates and harmonizes different body functions. If this flow of Ki is out of balance or blocked, we feel tension in our body. Our organs function less well and we feel fatigue. If this is not given attention it can lead to various complaints and disorders. With Shiatsu therapy the blockages and imbalances in the meridian system are detected and treated. So that the energy can flow freely again and your body can restore itself.
Compared to physical therapy and Western sports massage, shiatsu is generally milder: the focus is not on the muscles and bone system but on the energy pathways in the body. So it works particularly on an energetic level. Shiatsu looks for the points in the body where energy stagnates and blocks, and allows it to flow freely again. In order to get to the essence, it is important that you remain relaxed and do not cramp up. Shiatsu has an important preventive effect in maintaining health and it is therefore advisable to be treated regularly.
During a session, you lie on a futon on the floor. It is best to dress comfortably, preferably clothing without buttons and zippers. For example, a long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants. During the massage, you remain fully clothed. The massage works through the clothing. So there is no direct skin contact, with the exception of the hands and neck. Bring a towel or bedspread to lie on.
As a certified shiatsu therapist, my treatments are in most cases partly reimbursed with supplementary insurance. You can check whether your insurance covers shiatsu therapy via the following link: www.zorgwijzer.nl/vergoeding/shiatsu-therapie#vergoedingen.
In the following situations, a shiatsu treatment is not possible:
:
- Fever
- Viral infections
- Open wounds
- After an operative procedure
During pregnancy, Shiatsu can help prevent and relieve typical complaints. It is very important to inform me about pregnancy prior to treatment; I can then take into account pressure points to be treated and avoided.
Yes. You can cancel the appointment up to 24 hours before the appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours before the appointment I will unfortunately be forced to charge you. You can cancel by sending an email to info@zentaishiatsu.nl.
Contact
I work in Amstelveen on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Other days and evenings upon request. Appointments can be easily booked via the online session planner. You can also call me if you have any questions: 06 1468 5747.
The treatment room is located in the Health Center Paramedisch Centrum Augustinus – Augustinuspark 4 in Amstelveen. A collaboration between several healthcare providers; Rutgers Fysiotherapy, Nutrimotion Orthomoleculair Therapy, La Strata Cranio-Sacral Therapy en Zentai Shiatsu therapy.
