Shiatsu massage is already popular in the UK and many people are searching for the answer to “How much does a shiatsu massage cost? What’s the average rate per session? How can I find a professional? And what about insurance coverage?” We’ll answer these questions and more.
How much does a shiatsu massage cost in the UK?
The average shiatsu massage price in the UK ranges between £20 and £50 per session, although there are some extremely well-known practitioners who charge upwards of £100 for a session. The quality of individual shiatsu massage can impact the price. Consequently, a therapist with many years of experience is likely to charge more than someone who’s just starting out.
The average cost of a shiatsu massage per session ranges between £20 and £50 including the therapist’s travel costs from their home to your location. If you’re a business traveller, or someone who has to pay extra for insurance cover, then it might be worthwhile negotiating these additional costs into the overall price of your sessions.
In-depth overview of Shiatsu massages
What is it?
Shiatsu massage is essentially Japanese acupressure and acupuncture without needles. It’s a deep-tissue manual therapy originating in Japan. The term ‘shiatsu’ comes from the Japanese word ‘shi’ (finger) and ‘atsuku’ (press) and means finger pressure. In a shiatsu massage, practitioners use their thumbs, palms, fingers and elbows to apply pressure to the scalp, neck, shoulders and the rest of the body in order to promote healing.
The techniques used by a shiatsu practitioner can vary from full-body stretching with deep tissue work to light massage combined with stretching. However, you can get shiatsu massagers that are still very effective. Have a look at our shiatsu massager reviews for more information.
How is shiatsu different from acupuncture?
The techniques of shiatsu massage and acupuncture are very similar (hence, the term “acupressure”). However, their origins are completely different. While traditional Chinese medicine dates back 4,000 years ago, acupressure was developed in Japan and Korea only in the last century. During World War II, a Japanese acupuncturist called Toshima stopped practising acupuncture and started using his fingers to massage his patients instead. Sometime later he came up with the new term ‘shiatsu’ (finger pressure) as opposed to the Chinese word for it, ‘acupuncture’.
While both treatment methods are similar in their effects, acupuncture has scientific studies as a basis. Further, it’s an effective treatment method for many conditions. On the other hand, shiatsu was developed without any research and its effectiveness remains unproven in practice. For the more in-depth research on shiatsu, check out our blog on what is shiatsu?
Who should try a shiatsu massage?
Shiatsu is a great option for people who want to get rid of pain and stress, increase their mobility and flexibility, improve their overall wellbeing or simply relax. This treatment method is effective for people with minor injuries, range of motion problems caused by overuse/old age. In short, anyone who likes the idea of getting increased blood flow and a deep tissue massage. Let’s look at some examples:
- If you suffer from severe back pain or any type of injury caused by overuse, shiatsu is a great option for you because it will not only help you relax but also heal the area more quickly
- If you are a sporty or an active person, shiatsu is also one of the best massage options for you because it will help to improve your range of motion and flexibility. This effect will last long after the treatment ends!
- If you suffer from insomnia, stress or feel generally tired all the time, try having regular shiatsu sessions to relieve tension and relax the muscles.
- If you often feel stressed or anxious for no specific reason, a shiatsu session is the perfect way of relaxing both your body and mind.
Where can I get a shiatsu massage?
You can get shiatsu massage in many cities and towns throughout the UK. There are also specialists offering online massage which is ideal if you don’t want to leave your home. As this form of therapy is becoming more popular, there are many new practitioners. They may have joined the industry and chose to work online from their own homes in order to avoid added costs such as rent.
If you’re shopping for a shiatsu therapist online, check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. The BBB is an independent body that regulates businesses throughout the USA, UK and Canada. It’s worth checking out as there are many false shiatsu businesses. These claim to be offering services when they have little understanding of what this form of massage actually involves.
You can get a shiatsu massage from the comfort of your own home, and these have several benefits over getting a masseur or massage therapist. Have a look at our reviews on the best shiatsu massagers available online. If you’re wondering what the benefits of a shiatsu massager are and whether they even work, check out our article about it.
More information on shiatsu massage and costs
Shiatsu massage costs might vary depending on where you want to get them done. If you’re shopping around for a therapist online then you’ll most likely find some great deals. This is because there are many therapists who work from home providing treatments to people all over the world. However, it’s worthwhile checking out whether shiatsu massage insurance could cover any costs that might increase depending on your location.
How shiatsu can help
Some of the most common benefits of shiatsu massage are pain relief and reduced stress levels. It also helps with increased circulation and easing muscle tension. One of the main benefits is that it can help to treat a number of conditions. These include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and eating disorders. It’s also ideal if you want to restore natural energy flow, improve your circulation and reduce muscle tension. If you can’t get to a shiatsu massage therapist, it might be worth investing in a shiatsu massage chair. Check out our review on the best shiastu massage machines available.
Budget
There are a number of different massage styles which can provide similar benefits including shiatsu. However, the majority of experts recommend regular sessions in order to get the maximum benefit from this form of therapy. Most specialists offer affordable deals with regular discounts or extra reductions if you’re a business traveller during special periods. If you can’t make this work with your budget then it might be worth considering other types of massage such as Ayurveda.