Shiatsu

WHAT IS SHIATSU?

Shiatsu is like 'Acupuncture without needles' developed in Japan as a form of bodywork designed to improve health, encourage relaxation and thereby releasing physical and emotional blockages held in the body. Shiatsu is a holistic therapy, treating mind, body and spirit.

HOW DOES SHIATSU WORK?

Shiatsu works on the circulation of energy known as 'Ki' or 'Qi' which flows throughout the body along pathways called meridians that connect with the vital organs like the heart and lungs in our body. When an imbalance or stagnation occurs in the flow of energy, signs and symptoms of illness or disease may arise. Common symptoms include:

Headaches
Tiredness
Physical aches and pains

The Shiatsu practitioner works at rebalancing this energy by working with the meridians that need it (tonifying) and dispersing the energy in the meridians that may not need it, thus stimulating the body's natural ability to restore health and thereby reducing or eradicating symptoms of dis-ease.

WHAT CAN SHIATSU TREAT?

In this fast pacing society in which we live,

Shiatsu is a very effective tool in treating stress related ailments:

Insomnia
Anxiety and depression
Muscular tension
Digestive problems
Menstrual Dysfunctions
Low resistance to infection

Shiatsu is also the treatment of choice for disorders of the musculoskeletal system,

since it works directly on the tissues involved.

It is therefore effective in the treatment of:

Backache
Sprains and strains
Neck and shoulder stiffness
Joint pain

Shiatsu can also be seen as a way of working through lifes difficulties by helping you through strong, emotional situations including;

Grief
Anger and frustration
Feelings of low self esteem
Shock and trauma
Recovering from addictions
Feeling dissatisfied with life and wishing to make changes

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TREATMENT?

All first appointments are 1 hour and 15 mins in length, subsequent visits are 1 hour. The treatment itself takes place mainly on a futon on the floor. Seated shiatsu can also be done as an alternative way of working. What is important is to find a comfortable position for you. It is recommended to wear loose comfortable clothing as stretching and movement may be involved.

''Shi' is finger and 'atsu' is pressure. Along with finger pressure, palms and elbows may be used to treat the meridians worked. Other techniques may be used, however the quality of touch is what's most important and this is what makes Shiatsu so powerful to receive.

A consultation will be taken in your first session and treatment will then follow. Initial treatments are 1 hour and 15 mins and all follow up treatments are an hour. Treatments are tailored towards the individuals needs and a discussion on how many treatments are needed can take place within the first session. Depending on what you would like out of your shiatsu, all shiatsu treatments are there to facilitate your own healing process. whether it be something you take away from just one session or something you would like to work through with a series of treatments is something we can discuss.

PRACTITIONERS

Jess Marsden is our Shiatsu Practitioner. For further information about Shiatsu and how it might help you please contact Jess herself on 078094 33280 or you can make an appointment to see her on either Thursdays from 10 till 8pm or on Saturdays from 2pm.