They say a single hit may trigger addiction. No wait, I think they were talking about cocaine or heroin or something. But as far as I’m concerned, shiatsu is the smack of holistic healing. When I come down from my shiatsu high, I’m gonna want more.

I was feeling a little crumpled, and found myself submitting to spontaneous shiatsu today. The joint is called Otani Shiatsu Clinic, located on the west side of Roncesvalles just north of Queen. It’s a modest facility, but I wasn’t looking for glamour, I was looking for expertise…and that’s what I got. After an hour of Paul’s amazing acupressure, I felt restored and energized.

There was a resident cat in the clinic named Toonie. He was sleeping soundly in a plastic basket that was far too small for him…but he looked remarkably comfortable and centred. The most balanced cat I ever did see. I wonder if he gets feline shiatsu of some sort. I’ve heard of yoga for dogs (Doga), so why not shiatsu for cats (Chat-tsu)?

Clearly I’m still in some sort of shiatsu groove.