Zen Shiatsu Bodywork

Benefit from bodywork that places an emphasis on attentive pressure and listening touch.

Bodywork basics

What is Zen Shiatsu?

Zen Shiatsu is a gentle bodywork treatment that provides excellent therapy for all people with all degrees of ailments.

I specifically practice Zen Shiatsu, a Japanese style of massage that involves using my fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, feet, and knees to treat your body.

Zen Shiatsu treatment is more than physical and mechanical manipulation of muscles and tissues. Zen Shiatsu touch is special. It is deep, intimate, connected, clear, and open, allowing for a profoundly healing and therapeutic experience.

Your treatment includes a comprehensive intake and assessment phase, during which I will perform a gentle abdominal diagnosis known as hara diagnosis.

To learn more about the Zen Shiatsu experience at Daniel Adler Clinic, please see my What to Expect article.

Calm circulation

The goal of Zen Shiatsu is to improve and maintain your body in a state of calm energy flow. Regardless of your current health condition, treatment enhances circulation, releases tension, and revitalizes your well-being.

Listening touch

Through my touch I “listen” attentively to your body for guidance. This touch fosters a deep sense of connection and support, helping to relax and release your tension or pain.

More than pain relief

Though “hands-on”, Zen Shiatsu creates a space for healing which is more than just physical. Treatment nurtures a balanced state of vitality, positively impacting your mental and emotional equilibrium.

Holistic approach

When you’re feeling physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually out of balance, it affects your entire well-being. Zen Shiatsu works by focusing less on the “symptom” or “ailment” and more on your overall state and body as a whole.

Meet Daniel

Daniel Adler is a Registered Acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner who has been treating clients in Toronto since 1999.

Read Daniel’s Bio

Book a treatment

Daniel practices at the Dupont Naturopathic Family Centre, located at 789 Dupont Street in Toronto. Click below to book your treatment with Daniel.

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  • How many Zen Shiatsu sessions do I need?

    It all depends on you. I often get good results after one session, however, it usually takes a series of three to see a strong shift in condition.

    It is important to remember though that as some conditions take a long time to develop, equally so it can take a corresponding amount of time to undo.

    I have some clients that have been seeing me for years to maintain their zone level and enjoy a full quality of life, no matter their age or ailments.

  • Are there “take-home” tasks after a Zen Shiatsu treatment?

    Yes. If appropriate I recommend dietary changes, exercise, and breathing practices.

  • Does Zen Shiatsu use a lot of pressure?

    No. Zen Shiatsu treatments are a gentle pressure treatment, rather than an intense massage technique.

    The pressure used in Zen Shiatsu should not make the client “brace” against it. They should be able to relax around it and accept it into their tissues. When stronger or more intense pressure is required, it is deep and gentle rather than grinding and painful.

  • Are you able to help me if I’m in the “red” pain zone?

    Yes. In fact, most of my clients seek treatment when they are in the “red zone”. This happens either when a problem has just occurred or they have been living with and enduring it until it has become overwhelmingly difficult.

    Ideally, however, when there is a specific problem you should book treatment when you are in the “early orange zone”. This will make it easier to return to the green zone.

    Read more about the coloured pain zones.

  • Do you use oils or tools during Zen Shiatsu massage?

    Generally, no. I will occasionally apply liniments to acute strains, sparing, and fractures. However my best work comes directly through my hands, elbows, knees, and feet.

  • Is Zen Shiatsu only for physical relief?

    No. While Zen Shiatsu is wonderful for offering relief to physical ailments, I have helped many clients with depression, nervousness and anxiety, insomnia, anger and frustration, worry, and grief.

  • What to Expect During a Zen Shiatsu Treatment

    While every Zen Shiatsu session differs depending on your needs and issues, there are a few common phases that occur.

  • What is Hara Diagnosis?

    In this article I explain hara, an abdominal diagnosis method used during the assessment phase of my Zen Shiatsu and acupuncture treatments.

Ready to discover a deeper form of healing?

Find a sense of harmony through Zen Shiatsu treatment at Daniel Adler Clinic.

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