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What
is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu
is a traditional Japanese healing art. It can help in a wide
range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general
symptoms 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.
The
philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known
as ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body in a series
of channels called meridians. For many different reasons Ki
can stop flowing freely and this then produces a symptom.
As
your Shiatsu practitioner, I would consider your state of
health, the symptoms you are experiencing and, depending on
your constitution and general energy levels, I would use a
variety of techniques to improve your energy flow. These might
include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers,
elbows, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate,
more dynamic rotations and stretches.
As
the quality of Ki changes, the symptoms associated with a
lack of flow gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that
works on the individual as a complete being - not just the
physical body but also on an emotional and/or mental level.
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Common
conditions which have been helped by Shiatsu:
- back pain
- headaches,
migraines
- whiplash
injuries and neck stiffness
- joint
pain and reduced mobility
- menstrual
problems
- digestive
problems
- asthmatic
symptoms
- sports
injuries
- depression
Benefits
of Shiatsu
- it relaxes mind and body
- it
restores and balances energy
- it
eases tension and stiffness
- it
improves breathing
- it
improves posture
- it
improves circulation
- it
enhances well being
- it
heals
What
to expect in a session
Each
session lasts approximately one hour. The second session may be
slightly longer as I take a detailed case history to develop a more
complete picture of your health according to the principles of Oriental
medicine.
The
session takes place with you lying relaxed, and fully clothed throughout,
on a padded mat or futon at floor level, though it is also possible
to receive Shiatsu sitting on a chair or wheelchair if you are unable
to lie down.
Following
a treatment, there can be a feeling of increased vitality and you
may find that you feel invigorated, yet relaxed.
Guidelines
for receiving Shiatsu
Please
bring or wear loose, warm, comfortable clothing, preferably cotton
e.g. sweatshirt, tracksuit trousers and cotton socks.
Do
not eat heavily in the two hours prior to treatment.
Do
not drink alcohol before or after treatment.
After
treatment drink plenty of water to smooth the flow of changes through
the system.
If
at all possible, avoid strenuous or stressful activities after your
session.
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