People ask this question fairly often before a first visit. The short answer is that shiatsu uses sustained pressure on specific points and does not involve oil, undressing or the kind of kneading most people associate with massage. The longer answer is about how the two approaches are done, and it is worth knowing before you book.
01 The mechanics of shiatsu
Shiatsu is done through clothing, on a floor futon. The practitioner uses thumbs, palms and sometimes elbows to apply sustained pressure along lines that the tradition describes as meridians. The pressure is held for several seconds at each point and then released. There is no sliding and no friction.
Because there is no oil and no undressing, the session has a different quality of contact. Many people find it less exposing than a table massage, which can make it easier to relax. Working from the floor also lets the practitioner use body weight rather than arm strength, which changes how the pressure feels.
02 What massage does differently
Swedish and sports massage usually involve sliding and kneading strokes. They are done on a table, often with oil, and involve partial undressing. Many people choose them after exercise or when a particular muscle feels sore.
Neither approach is better in an absolute sense, and we do not claim that either treats a condition. They are simply different ways to spend an hour.
03 How to decide
If you have an injury or a specific medical problem, please speak to a doctor or a licensed practitioner first. We offer relaxation-oriented sessions and we do not treat injuries. If you simply want an unhurried hour that is quiet and slow, shiatsu or the 30-minute stillness session is a reasonable thing to try.
You can look at the full list of sessions to compare formats and durations before deciding.