What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions – from specific injuries 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.
Common conditions which have been helped by Shiatsu:
- Back pain
- Headaches, migraine
- Whiplash injuries and neck stiffness
- Joint pain and reduced mobility
- Menstrual problems
- Digestive problems
- Asthmatic symptoms
- Sports injuries
- Depression
Background to Shiatsu.
The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that
vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese) 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. Your Shiatsu practitioner will consider your state
of health, the symptoms you are experiencing and, depending
on your constitution and general energy levels, will use a
variety of techniques to improve your energy flow. These may
include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers,
elbows, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate,
more dynamic rotations and stretches. As the quality of Ki
changes, the symptoms associated with a lack of flow will 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.
What to expect in a session.
Each session lasts approximately one hour. The first session may be slightly longer since your practitioner will take a detailed case history to develop a complete picture of your health according to the principles of oriental medicine. The client stays fully clothed. Following a treatment, there can be a feeling of increased vitality and you may feel invigorated yet relaxed.
Benefits of Shiatsu
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