Introduction to Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing art. It can help in a
wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general problems
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.
Shiatsu helps to release tension, increase energy
levels and is used to treat a wide range of every day health problems.
Shiatsu is based on
oriental medicine and in the same way as acupuncture it works on the
energy channels known as meridians and the points along them. Instead of using needles, the Shiatsu
practitioner uses finger or thumb pressure. (In Japanese, Shiatsu means
"finger-pressure"). A typical Shiatsu treatment will also
include gentle stretches and massage techniques to work into the muscles,
other soft tissues
and joints. It
also includes a diagnosis from an oriental medical perspective, the
treatment itself and recommendations on diet and lifestyle.
Shiatsu is a whole
treatment system, working both on the physical levels and on a subtle energy
level. People commonly report benefits from shiatsu for a whole range of
problems, including;
Relief from
What to Expect from a Shiatsu Treatment
Each session usually lasts approximately one hour. The
first session may be slightly longer since your practitioner will take a
detailed case history to develop a comprehensive picture of you and your
health status according to the principles of oriental medicine.
Treatment is usually carried out on a futon at floor
level or a treatment table, although it is possible to receive Shiatsu
sitting on a chair if you are unable to lie down. The client remains fully
clothed. Following a session, there's often a feeling of increased energy
/ vitality, invigoration, and yet relaxed.
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The
idea of shiatsu is not to treat a specific condition, but to work toward
supporting & improving health in general.
By supporting general
heath this assists the system cope better with or even recover from more systemic problems;
i.e.
-
chest & lung complaints, such as asthma,
-
digestive complaints, such as IBS
(irritable bowel syndrome),
-
women's gynaecological
problems i.e.
menstrual and menopausal
On the
other hand, if you are well once restored to your peak, thereafter an
occasional 'top up' shiatsu treatment can help keep
you stay that way.
In the end, the best
way to get an idea of what Shiatsu is like is to try a treatment for
yourself and feel the difference!
 Guidelines for Shiatsu Treatment
-
Please bring with you or wear loose, warm,
comfortable clothing, preferably cotton, e.g. sweatshirt, tracksuit
trousers and cotton socks. Cotton or other natural materials are
considered not to hinder the flow of energy like many man made materials
and so assist the healing process.
-
Do not eat heavily in the two hours prior to
treatment.
-
Do not drink alcohol before or after treatment.
-
After the treatment drink plenty of water to aid the
flow of energy to assist the healing of the system.
-
Avoid strenuous exercise and stressful activities
after your shiatsu session.
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