About Shiatsu
Shiatsu is received full clothed, usually on a floor mat or futon, or sitting.
Shiatsu, meaning literally "finger pressure",is a Japanese form of holistic bodywork practice. Like acupuncture, (but without the needles), shiatsu originated from China, using the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been developed in Japan and the West to become an integrated therapy treating body, mind and spirit.
In a harmonious healthy state, vital energy or "Ki" flows freely and nourishes the body's energy, meridian channels and organs.
Sometimes, for different reasons, the Ki becomes restricted or stuck, which causes areas of weakness or stress, leading to an individual experiencing symptoms of ill health. Shiatsu smoothes the flow of ki.
HOW IT WORKS
By accessing the Ki in the meridians and at the many pressure points the shiatsu therapist can help the receiver regain a more balanced state of health and well-being.
This is achieved by using a combination of techniques, such as pressure (using palms, thumbs, knees, elbows, even feet!), stretching, manipulation and rotation of joints.
Because of the interconnectedness of the meridian pathways, the shiatsu treatment acknowledges the body as a whole, allowing complete relaxation at the same time as giving attention to the receiver's immediate needs.
2008 Research Findings: "The Experience and Effects of Shiatsu: a Cross-European Study", is an independent evaluation of shiatsu by Professor Andrew Long at The University of Leeds, funded by The European Shiatsu Federation.:
" The ESF study shows that shiatsu helps clients feel calmer and more relaxed"
"Both new and regular users of shiatsu expressed feeling "physically more mobile", "more energised", "more balanced"or "more able to cope with things". "Up to 60% of regular shiatsu users felt that they were able to sleep better".
"Symptoms were significantly reduced and these reductions were maintained throughout the 6 month study"
"Between 84% and 87% of shiatsu users felt that shiatsu had been effective in treating their symptoms at the end of the study"
"All of the indications that shiatsu users came with showed improvements: problems with muscles or joints, problems with body structure such as back pain or posture, relaxation and relief of tension or stress, low energy or fatigue,problems with digestion, breathing or blood pressure,menstrual pain,emotional support, self development,reduce use of conventional medication."
BAREFOOT MACROBIOTIC SHIATSU
The "Barefoot" Macrobiotic approach is one of several shiatsu approaches and it refers to the tradition of including lifestyle, self-shiatsu and natural food recommendations and counselling, as well as the actual use of the feet during a treatment. On-going support enables you to take charge of your own preventative health care programme. This is very empowering and also great value for money, as you take away from the treatment room really useful tools for long lasting self-healing.
CONDITIONS HELPED
Back pain
Headaches, migraines
Whiplash injuries/stiff neck
Joint pain/reduced mobility
Fatigue
Women's health: mensrual and menopausal difficulties
Reproductive health:pregnancy,childbirth, infertility
Digestive problems
Asthmatic problems
Sport injuries
Depression/stress/anxiety and much more
BENEFITS OF SHIATSU
It relaxes mind and body
It restores and balances energy
It eases tension and stiffness
It improves posture
it enhances well-being
It heals
