SHIATSU

Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning "finger pressure."
It is an alternative healing method based on the knowledge and experience of the traditional eastern therapies. It helps us create and keep harmonic energy circulation in our body.
This is an efficient method for keeping our health; it helps with different kinds of pains and illnesses.



Shiatsu therapy activates our body energy (Ki or Chi) by pressing with the palm or the fingers along the energy lines (meridians) and the traditional all known acupuncture points without using needle.

Shiatsu is efective because it deals with the body as a whole. The shiatsu therapists believe that everything in the body is connected and each organ influences other organs. When the human body is healthy and the systems as a whole works good this means that there is a great harmony of energies flowing inside the body through the meridians.

The shiatsu therapist will work out on the blocked chi in the meridians to balance the flow of the energy.

It is very pleasant and a very special experience.






WHAT CONDITIONS ARE SHIATSU GOOD FOR?

Shiatsu can bring benefit to most conditions, as it strengthens the body's energy and therefore its own healing properties.
It can help to relieve, amongst others:


• tension & pain
• allergies
• stress
• insomnia
• depression
• chronic tiredness
• menstrual problems & PMT
• digestive problems
• headaches & migraine
• back pain & sciatica
• asthma & bronchitis
• emotional trauma
• joint & muscle pain
• rheumatism & arthritis
• sports injuries
• addictions
• circulatory & uro-genital disorders, including oedema & high bloodpressure.



HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL BE REQUIRED?

Shiatsu helps the body’s energy to rebalance itself. If the “dis-ease” is long-standing, then the rebalance may take some time, as the body’s energy patterns have learnt to be out of balance and consider this to be normal.
Shiatsu rebalances the body's energy and helps it re-learn a better “normal” pattern. Some change should be noticeable after 4-6 treatments that are reasonably close together.
However, shiatsu is more effective if it is considered to be a participatory therapy, i.e. you should not expect to receive a “quick prod” and everything be fixed. It usually takes a few sessions for a client to learn to receive shiatsu and participate in the treatment.
In addition, if appropriate, your practitioner may well recommend things that you can do between treatments to help yourself, for example simple exercises, dietary changes, pressure points to be stimulated or lifestyle changes that can be made. However, these should be discussed carefully with you so that they suit your personality and inclination as far as possible.


WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR TO RECEIVE SHIATSU?

To receive shiatsu, you remain fully clothed. You should wear clean loose fitting clothing, preferably with long sleeves and made of natural fibres. Jeans or skirts are not suitable.
Please bring a clean pair of socks with you.
It is not a good idea to eat heavily during the 2 hours prior to a shiatsu treatment.


HOW WILL YOU FEEL AFTER A SHIATSU?

Usually a shiatsu treatment makes you feel deeply relaxed, with a feeling of well-being and calmness.
It can make you feel intensely ‘alive’ and energised. The immediate effect can last for days after a treatment, and a series of treatments will ensure your normal energy pattern is stronger, calmer and more balanced.
It is possible to experience adverse reactions to a treatment — but they are rare. These can be a ‘healing reaction’ and can take the form of 24 hour ‘flu or a slight worsening of the presenting symptoms before an improvement.
Sometimes emotional feelings may surface, either during or after a treatment, and this is part of the movement of energy working on the body’s imbalances. Do not be frightened if this happens, but do discuss it with your practitioner.
Any feedback is extremely helpful in planning your course of treatment.