Shiatsu Massage
CORYDON LOCATION
Shiatsu Massage Therapy is a bodywork that originated in Japan. It is practiced on the reflex points (acupressure points) of the body. Shiatsu is based on the concept of Qi; Qi is the vital life force that drives all life activity, and it is believed that health problems occur when qi flows are obstructed.
A Shiatsu therapist applies pressure on the body’s meridians, parts of the body believed to be energy channels, to balance or unblock the flow of energy (Qi). The therapist mainly uses their thumbs, fingers, and palms —hence its name Shiatsu, which means "finger pressure" in Japanese—but also with their elbows and forearms. Shiatsu is done fully clothed, while the client is laying down on a massage table in loose fitted clothes, the therapist uses various techniques such as compression, kneading, squeezing, and stretching. Shiatsu is a dry massage, which means the treatment is done without using oil or lotion.
The benefits of Shiatsu are improving a person’s overall health, relieving tension and pain, improving digestive and respiratory functions, helping with insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Shiatsu style massage is covered by private health insurance as massage therapy when provided by an RMT.
Your Shiatsu Massage THERAPIST
Iku Nitta RMT (She/Her)
SENIOR THERAPIST
Iku (E-ku) is a Registered Massage Therapist who began her massage career in Japan before moving to Canada. She graduated from Evolve College of Massage Therapy and brings together Eastern and Western approaches to create thoughtful, personalized treatments. Massage has been her passion since her childhood learning Shiatsu from her parents.
Her background includes extensive training in Japanese-style acupressure techniques inspired by Shiatsu, along with reflexology (both Japanese and Canadian), Gua Sha, and facial and scalp massage. This foundation allows her to address not only muscular tension, but also circulation and overall body balance.
Iku specializes in combining Swedish massage with targeted therapeutic techniques such as Shiatsu-inspired acupressure, cupping, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), myofascial release, and functional movement-based approaches. Each treatment is tailored to the individual, focusing on the body’s specific needs rather than following a fixed routine.
With strong sensitivity developed through years of hands-on practice, Iku listens carefully through touch to identify areas of restriction and imbalance. Her goal is to provide effective, results-oriented care while supporting long-term health.
She is also a Registered Reflexologist with the Reflexology Association of Canada (RAC) since 2021.
Outside of work, Iku enjoys reading, as well as staying active in nature through hiking, skiing, and swimming.
Iku practices out of our Corydon Avenue location.
"I loved the combination of Shiatsu and regular massage to address different needs. Iku has a perfect sense of pressure, she is really skilled at getting in really deep with the right amount of pressure to ease tension yet never too painful." - Anonymous Client