Shiatsu

The word "Shiatsu" means "finger-pressure" in Japanese.  Sometimes described as "acupuncture without needles" Shiatsu, like acupuncture, is based ont eh holistic system of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of ki/chi (life energy) through the body.  Shiatsu uses various techniques including finger and palm pressure, stretches, and rotations to promote healing by improving the flow of ki/chi.  Treatment is tailored to the individual's own circumstances and may be gentle and/or firm as appropriate.

Benefits

Shiatsu is an excellent tonic to maintain good health, and can also help many stress-related problems by addressing energetic distortions or imbalances.  It calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.  Shiatsu can also be particularly effective in improving circulation, posture and breathing.  O verall it enhances well-being by shifting a client's habitual energetic patterns to a healthier state.

Shiatsu may help prevent and treat many health issues, including:

• Stress and Anxiety
• Back problems
• Migraine
• Asthma
• Digestive Disorders
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Menstrual and Fertility problems
• Post Operative Recovery
• Sports Injury

Shiatsu can also help during pregnancy and is highly beneficial for dealing with emotional difficulties and challenging life transitions.

What to expect from a treatment

Clients wear loose fitting garments and traditionally lie on a futon on the floor.  A treatment lasts approximately one hour including consultation time.

The practice of Shiatsu involves making a diagnosis of key issues by sensing energetic qualities in the abdomen (hara diagnosis) and then focusing on stimulating the appropriate meridians and acupoints (tsubos) to effectively treat the indivdual and their circumstances.

After treatment, clients often feel both relaxed and energised, with a sensation of having awoken from restful sleep.  Some aspects of the treatment may cause some discomfort or highlight tender areas, often where energy is blocked, but this is short-lived and an overall sense of wholeness usually follows.