Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a healing art which is based on the principles of ancient Chinese medicine and the techniques of acupuncture and traditional Japanese massage.

Most of the more recently developed styles of Shiatsu do not use the strong acupressure applied in Japanese massage to stimulate the flow of Qi; nor do they focus predominantly on acupuncture points.

Instead of points, energy channels (meridians) are worked throughout the body, using, what is called, Qi-projection rather than strong physical pressure.
As a result treatments tend to be comforting and relaxing as well as energising and healing.

In Zen Shiatsu a complementary meridian system is used alongside the classical one. Points are worked where relevant and may be found painful even on light touch. The idea, however, is to balance, i.e. not to force the Qi to move on from places of painful obstruction but to lure it away, so to say, to where it is actually needed.

This applies to imbalances on a physical as well as deeper levels. In fact, the healing power of Shiatsu is most efficient when body, soul and mind work together to restore health.

Who does benefit from Shiatsu?

Many acute and chronic conditions respond well to Shiatsu treatment, amongst them:

- tension, anxiety, insomnia
- headaches and migraines
- fatique, M.E., depression
- menstrual problems
- problems of the digestive system
- circulartory problems
- backaches, sciatica
- stiff or painful joints and limbs
- respiratory problems, asthma

Shiatsu can also be recommended to support healing and rehabilitation after traumatic experiences such as accidents and shocks, operations or cancer treatment and particularly stroke. It is also very beneficial for women before and after childbirth.

Personally I like to work with older people. Chinese medicine finds no problem with growing old, as long as we find a way to deal with the challenges brought about by a life time of wear and tear. We are never too old to free up the Qi (life energy) we have locked up in unhelpful postures, habits and attitudes to feel at ease again.

About your treatment

Shiatsu treatments are given to the fully clothed client. They usually take place on a soft mat on the floor. Where mobility is limited, treatment may be given while the client is sitting on a chair.

It is important that you wear comfortable clothing (loose, long-sleeved and long-legged). Please bring a spare pair of socks and be aware that make-up and special hair-dos may be affected.

If you come for a medical condition or a specific complaint, there will be an initial consultation followed by a short treatment, which will allow me to arrive at a diagnosis and suggest a treatment plan to be discussed. Usually you will be send a questionnaire, whch you may wish to fill in before your first session referring to your health history and any current medication. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Diagnostic consultation sessions may take up to an hour and a half. The subsequent regular sessions will last between 40 and 50 minutes.

If you have never had Shiatsu and would like to try it out, you may wish to book a taster session, which lasts 30 minutes.

Home visits

Shiatsu is particularly helpful for the elderly and I been working successfully for many years with patients in their eighties suffering from Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety, reduced mobility and the effects of strokes.
Where mobility is an issue, home visits may be an option. However, treatment fees will be have to be arranged, taking into account travel costs and extra time.

Useful links

The Shiatsu Society
Shiatsu College UK