PictureSara Vanin, LMT

I've been studying and practicing shiatsu since 1997, graduating from the Ohashi Institute in 2001, becoming a Certifed Ohashiatsu Instructor in 2005. I am a  Massage Therapy graduate of Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, Certified Holistic Health Coach with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in 2012 and AromaAcupoint Therapist (with Peter Holmes, L.Ac., MH and Tiffany Pollard, L.Ac.

I have been teaching shiatsu at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and other massage schools the Chicago area since 2007.




Benefits of Receiving a Shiatsu Session

  • Shiatsu can help relieve constipation
  • Shiatsu can work the tension and spasms out of the muscles
  • Shiatsu helps with migraines
  • Shiatsu is also a non-invasive therapy that helps reduce stress, tension, anxiety and depression by leaving you relaxed and calm.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the body’s tissue and attacks the linings of the joints. Shiatsu helps to limber muscles, gives muscles nutrition by improved circulation and also helps reduce muscular pain.
  • Helps stimulate circulation in capillaries of the skin’s soft tissues.
  • Shiatsu helps alleviating menstrual cramps.
  • Shiatsu benefits the digestive system by allowing food to digest more easily and aides in waste elimination.
  • Helps those who suffer from fatigue and weakness by restoring and maintaining the body’s energy.

Although a regular maintenance program of shiatsu is an excellent way to maintain wellness and improve vitality, the schedule will vary for each person. Every person is different, their lifestyle, their stress level so one person may benefit by just one visit a month, another may require more sessions on a more regular basis. Depending on the goal of the session the effects may be stimulating and invigorating or calming and sedative or both preventative and remedial. Whatever the ailment the benefits are astounding, with little to no side effects, while enjoying a calming and restorative session.