Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing therapy. It evolved from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Anma, which a traditional Japanese form of massage.
The basic philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that our vital energy, known as Ki in Japanese, and Qi in Chinese medicine, flows throughout our body in a series of channels or pathways, known as meridians. This can stop flowing freely for many different reasons, and when this happens it presents as one or several symptoms of ill-health.
Your practitioner will consider your state of health from the symptoms you are experienceing, and depending on your constitutional type and your general energy levels, will use a variety of touch techniques to improve your vital energy flow. These may include gentle holding, or pressing with palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet on the meridians. When appropriate some more dynamic stretches and rotations may be used. As the quality of your Ki changes, the symptoms brought about by a blockage in the flow of Ki will gradually improve. Shiatsu works on each individual holistically, and affects not just our physical body, but can also act on emotional, mental and spiritual levels.
Shiatsu usually takes place on a padded mat or futon on the floor. It is also possible to receive Shiatsu on a massage table, or whilst sitting in a chair, for anyone unable to lie down. The client stays fully clothed at all times.
Shiatsu can assist in a wide range of conditions, from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. It has been helpful in many common conditions such as headaches, migraines, back pain, joint pains, stiff neck, sports and whiplash injuries, digestive and menstrual problems, asthmatic symptoms and depression.
A Shiatsu treatment brings many benefits. It relaxes mind and body, restores and balances energy, eases tension and stiffness,
improves breathing patterns, posture and circulation, and enhances our feeling of well-being.
Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience, and regular treatment sessions can help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives.