Zen Shiatsu Chicago is actively involved in research advancing the body of knowledge pertaining to shiatsu.

In January 2009, the school was the recipient of a research-related award from the AOBTA (American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia).  This award was given for “advancing the knowledge and integration of the benefits of ABT (Asian Bodywork Therapy)”, for the work Zen Shiatsu Chicago has done in researching the effects of ABT on Fibromyalgia.