shiatsu
- what is shiatsu?
- how does shiatsu work?
- what are common conditions and ailments that can be addressed by shiatsu?
- what do i expect during a treatment?
what is shiatsu?
Shiatsu (she-at-soo) literally means finger pressure, and is a form of Japanese bodywork that combines Tsubo Therapy (Acupressure), Meridian Therapy, Stretching and gentle corrective exercise. Shiatsu is richly embedded in oriental medical theory and is more than just extremely relaxing technique.
A Shiatsu Therapist regards disease and symptoms as imbalances in the body. A variety of techniques are utilised inclusive of manual pressure and gentle stretches to our meridian lines to restore balance and promote self healing within the body.
Each individual is different, and therefore a practitioners approach will also vary, but a treatment will always be supportive and nurturing. Because of this, Shiatsu is compliments modern day medicine and is suitable for but not limited to:
- The Elderly
- Children
- Recovery from an injury
- During pregnancy
how does shiatsu work?
Through direct pressure and stretching of the muscle fibres, body waste is removed and efficiently eliminated through the Lymphatic System. Increased circulation within the body promotes better blood flow and oxygen delivering necessary nutrients for the body to the blood vessels thus promoting a better immune system and actives self healing.
The breakdown of tension within the body through movement, pressure and stretching allows the physical body to increase joint mobility flexibility and maintain agility.
what are common conditions and ailments that can be addressed by shiatsu?
When looking at treatment plans, a therapist uses a wholistic approach, meaning focus is not limited to just one area of the body, but the entire picture.
A well trained Shiatsu therapist can treat an ailment or imbalance before it develops into an illness, making it a great to have as part of your entire health plan.
Conditions that respond well to Shiatsu are:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Back, Neck or joint pain
- Constipation or digestive problems
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Fatigue
- Headaches or migraines
- Insomnia
- Menstrual or women's issues
- Repetitive Strain Issues
- Sciatica
- Sport Injuries
- Physical and Emotional stress
what do i expect during a treatment?
On an initial consultation, the therapist will take a general health and medical history with specific ailments or conditions. Observations on your physical symptoms will be taken by taking a pulse reading, touch of your abdomen and specific points on your back, looking at your posture or by the colour of your face and tongue.
Shiatsu treatments do not require oil, so ensure that your clothing is pliable and comfortable to move to during stretching. The practitioner uses a cotton padded futon mattress that will generally be lying on the floor. Bolsters and cushions used will be to assist and support the body in varying stretching or relaxation positions.
A treatment can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes, simple movements and gentle pressure will be applied to your body by the therapist with either thumbs, palms of the hands, forearms or knees.
In receiving manually bodywork, our bodies give a practitioner an array of feedback responses, so as the treatment progresses a therapist could ask additional health questions.
Shiatsu can produce a release of emotions and move stagnant energies within the body, but no negative side effects. Clients will walk away with feeling more balanced, relaxed and enjoy a sense of calmness.