Shiatsu massage is an ancient Japanese massage and means 'finger pressure'
​
I am a qualified Shiatsu Shin Tai practitioner with a clinic in the Watford area
About Shiatsu
​
Shiatsu massage is an ancient Japanese massage and means 'finger-pressure'. Shiatsu massage uses pressure and stretches to aid the natural energy (ki) channels to flow for greater mind, body, spirit balance. It uses energetic touch to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and help release stress and muscle tension. For more information on Zen shiatsu and Five Elements shiatsu have a look at The Shiatsu Society website - shiatsu styles
Shin Tai means 'Source Body'. It is a form of bodywork that works primarily on the 'Central Channel' and complements the meridian work related to Shiatsu massge therapy. For more information have a look at Shin Tai International
About Me
My name is Irena Pearse and I first encountered shiatsu when I was living in Japan in 1991, receiving it from friends and even the hair dresser! Much later, in 2015, I received a full shiatsu treatment at a festival I happened to be at, and an instinct told me I needed to do this.
I completed a one year diploma in Shiatsu Shin Tai with the British School of Shiatsu, which included their first year Shiatsu course, qualifiying in 2016. Within six months of starting this course I began my clinic at home, working on neighbours and friends and building my practice. During 2016-2017, I assisted BSS during their diploma course for new students for Shiatsu Shin Tai and the following year began once again training to be a fully qualified Zen shiatsu practitioner, this time with the London College of Shiatsu.
Before lockdown in March 2020, I had a busy part-time practice at home and a shiatsu stall for school fetes and music festivals. Like many of us, it has been tough through the Covid times with the postponement of my course and my home clinic. Now, I have completed my final year with LCS and am busy building up my home clinic. I have given over 500 treatments and worked with over 50 clients between the ages of 17 and 70.
​
I love shiatsu as it works on both a basic, feel-good level but also on a profound spiritual level also. It is different to a sports massage or a health spa massage in that it incorporates a recognition of emotional states of being and rather than fixing a condition, sets off a chain of changes that include emotional awareness as well as body awareness. The client is responsible for their own healing journey and comes to the shiatsu therapist for a kind of tuning in or deeper listening of how to facilitate this. It can happen that profound reactions take place during the shiatsu treatment itself, but it is more than likely that the reactions come about a week after and through regular treatment.
Shiatsu therapist
I'm a trained Shiatsu practitioner. Qualified in Shiatsu Shin Tai with the British School of Shiatsu in 2016 and in Zen Shiatsu at the London College of Shiatsu in 2025.
I am a member of the Shiatsu Society and insured under Balens
Client Feedback
I felt my shoulder relax. I can breath easily. I can hold up my hands.
Patricia
"Felt calm and connected to my body. Really powerful."
Nasareen.
"Excellent pressure. I didn't realise my back was as tense as it was until treatment. Really like work on lower back, back and legs. Thank you, I can now sit cross-legged!" Charles
"Felt my pain released. Relaxed but energised as well. I enjoyed that my breathing synchronised with the touch and pressure of Irena's hands. Thank you so much for healing my body and mind." Rebecca