Yes. End of the story? No, because the opposite idea is so widespread that it discourages some men from trying Shiatsu massage. So let’s debunk the unfounded reputation of Shiatsu being “For Ladies Only”! Our practice is not gender-specific, and here’s why.
An Oriental and Martial Origin
Even before Shiatsu was called Shiatsu, Japanese martial arts dojos were privileged places for passing down traditional oriental massage. It was practiced between fighters, in what we can assume was a rather masculine atmosphere. Then Shiatsu emerged as a healthcare treatment for everyone, with no gender or age exclusivity. Its early applications were described as vigorous, not always comfortable, and sometimes painful.
An Ambassador Named Muhammad Ali
Tokujiro Namikoshi is known for establishing Shiatsu as a recognized form of medicine in Japan, where he opened the first Shiatsu clinic. He also worked to promote it in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. A skilled communicator, Namikoshi claimed two iconic patients to cement Shiatsu’s reputation: Marilyn Monroe and boxer Muhammad Ali. Several photos attest that Namikoshi indeed worked on the three-time world champion, at a time when the term “deconstructed men” wasn’t even a topic of discussion.
The “New Age” Influence
In the West (first the U.S., then Europe), Shiatsu evolved under the influence of certain masters and to meet the expectations of a society influenced by “New Age” culture. The “magical” dimension of Qi was more appealing than the rigorous martial katas of its origins. Some schools softened their practice, focusing on the sensitivity of touch rather than powerful joint pressures and manipulations. This is where Shiatsu’s reputation as a delicate and complex treatment, became associated with the feminine realm and a quest for well-being.
Practice vs. Stereotypes
At the turn of the century, the French comedian Florence Foresti made me laugh a lot with her caricature of gender stereotypes.
It was already quite exaggerated to be funny. So, imagine in 2024! Things have changed, in Morocco and beyond. Many men have realized that their bodies deserve to be listened to. And that sheer power, built with punches, steaks, and swimming achievements, isn’t for everyone. Moreover, athletic performance isn’t built only with muscle but also with good Qi circulation. This is a great reason to visit a Shiatsu practitioner.
My Experience with Shiatsu
As I mention in my bio: I was introduced to Shiatsu by a MALE practitioner, who was also a karate teacher. All the teachers who trained me were men. I wasn’t aware of Shiatsu’s feminine reputation. But the fact is: I was the last guy in my class at the end of the training. And since I started practicing, I’ve received far more women than men. So there is indeed an issue, and I didn’t write these lines for nothing.
A “Tailor-Made” Practice
I’ll end by emphasizing the concept of personalized care. Even though there are standardized katas and sequences, Shiatsu care is always a “tailor-made” practice. Some treatments are more vigorous than others: the speed, pressure, and manipulations vary. The person’s gender is one of the factors considered, but it’s among many others: age, physical condition, flexibility, etc. And everything happens through dialogue and attention to the Jusha’s (1) expectations. No one should fear receiving care that doesn’t suit them: too soft or, conversely, too hard. Just last week, I performed extremely strong pressures on someone used to Asian massages, who demanded vigor. A real “boy’s massage”… given to a woman.
(1) The Jusha is the person who receives Shiatsu.
