What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu literally translates as “finger pressure” and is thought to have been around for several thousands of years in the form of touch therapy. Over time it evolved into a form of bodywork with it’s foundations in Oriental Medicine and was further refined by the Japanese into Shiatsu as we know it now.
There are many styles of Shiatsu and what connects them all is the central principle that Ki or Qi, our vital life energy, flows throughout our bodies. In full health Ki flows evenly and abundantly and gives us vitality, balance and well being. However blockages in the flow of this energy can occur for a number of reasons which may manifest in a range of symptoms which can be physical, psychological, emotional or spiritual.
In a Shiatsu treatment the practitioner connects with this Ki through touch and pressure to help improve the energy flow and it’s integration within the body, thereby allowing areas that are blocked to release. This helps the body to reorientate towards balance and health.
It can be said that Shiatsu works in a similar way to acupuncture but uses touch and movement instead of needles.
Why have Shiatsu?
People come to Shiatsu for a wide range of physical and emotional conditions. It can help with back and joint pain, headaches and migraines, menstrual issues, digestive problems, sleep problems, asthma, stress, depression and sports injuries.
Shiatsu is relaxing, nurturing and gentle. It is a non-invasive therapy that facilitates the body’s capacity to self-heal. Not only does it address specific symptoms but it also helps improve overall health and well-being. Regular treatments can help with general flexibility and mobility, strengthen immunity, posture, circulation and instil a sense of calm.
What happens in a treatment?
At the initial meeting I will discuss with my client their reasons for coming to treatment and our conversation will cover some medical history, lifestyle, diet, sleep etc..
The treatment usually takes place on a futon on the floor with appropriate support where required. This can be modified to working in a chair or on a table if the floor option isn’t suitable.
The client remains fully clothed ideally wearing soft and loose cotton clothing for comfort. I then use a variety of techniques including gentle pressure to points and meridians (energy channels), stretches, joint rotations and rocking.
There is no fixed routine as the treatment is tailored to the needs of the client at that time which I will have identified through diagnosis and our consultation.
After a treatment clients often claim that they feel relaxed, calm and energised and hopefully any “problem” areas should feel an improvement. For chronic conditions it is beneficial to have a course of treatment and most clients find that regular “maintenance” treatments are ideal for the on going support of their health and well being. This can be once every 4-6 weeks, but there is no prescription, it is up to the individual.
In addition I am happy to offer suggestions relating to diet, specific exercises and movement to help support the maintenance of their health.
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I advise you to see for yourself! I have, for more than 7 years, and when I visited another trusted holistic practitioner recently, he asked me ‘why have you come? You are in perfect balanced health. Well done. Come back and see me in 20 years’.
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