What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art. It is a preventative, complementary therapy, and it is used to help a wide range of conditions – from specific injuries and illness, to more general symptoms of poor health.
Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives.
The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese, Chi in Chinese) flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely and this then produces a symptom.
As your Shiatsu practitioner, I would consider your state of health, the symptoms you are experiencing and, depending on your constitution and general energy levels, I would use a variety of techniques to improve the Ki flow in your meridian system. These might include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet on the acupressure points (Tsubos) and, when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and stretches.
As the quality of Ki changes, the symptoms associated with a lack of flow gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being – not just the physical body but also on an emotional and/or mental level.
I have found Shiatsu has been useful for
- back pain
- headaches, migraines
- whiplash injuries and neck stiffness
- joint pain and reduced mobility
- menstrual problems
- digestive problems
- asthmatic symptoms
- sports injuries
- depression
What to expect in a session
Each session lasts approximately one hour.
The session takes place with you lying relaxed, and fully clothed throughout, on a padded mat or futon at floor level. I am also experienced in giving Shiatsu on a massage table, sitting on a chair, or in a wheelchair.
Here is a link to The Shiatsu Society (UK) website page on Research into Shiatsu
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