Benefits of Shiatsu Massage: An Interview with Monica Weise
Monica Weise, Shiatsu Massage practitioner at Grainne McKeown Acupuncture
What made you get into shiatsu?
My path to Shiatsu began through my own search for holistic healing. When I discovered Shiatsu, something clicked. It’s a practice that unites bodywork, mindfulness, and the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The first time I received a session, I felt not just relaxed but reconnected. That experience inspired me to dedicate myself to this path of healing and study.
What do you see are the benefits of shiatsu on the body?
Shiatsu helps to restore flow. It helps regulate the nervous system, release muscular tension, improve digestion, and balance sleep. Beyond the physical, I find it also helps people feel more at home in their own bodies. The work invites a sense of groundedness and spaciousness that stays with you long after the session ends.
What’s your personal philosophy of healing?
I believe that true healing begins with awareness and compassion. The body carries stories of how we’ve adapted, and endured. Through mindful touch, presence, and breath, we create a space where those patterns can soften and transform. My role to listen to what your body is communicating and hold space to support your natural capacity to return to balance.
What self-care routines keep you grounded and healthy?
I stay grounded through movement and finding the joy in the little moments im life. Hot yoga and qigong help me stay present, build strength, and keep my energy flowing. Cooking is one of my favorite ways to unwind. I love experimenting with healthy, nourishing meals and making food that truly makes me feel good.
I’m also recharged by new experiences, whether that’s traveling somewhere new or taking time to explore my own city. And when I’m home, quiet moments with my cats or a walk by the lake always bring me back to center.
Come and get a Shiatsu massage from Monica for $35 at Grainne McKeown Acupuncture. You can book online through my website here!