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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.

 

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.

Recent Research

'An important piece of professional research has been carried out by Professor Andrew F Long at the School of Healthcare, University of Leeds,  in conjunction with The European Shiatsu Federation.

As a result of this study, carried out over 3 countries (Britain, Spain and Austria), we can now state that Shiatsu is good for stress, back and neck pain, and for sports injuries.'

This rigorous longitudinal study indicates the value of this powerful therapy for the benefit of our long-term health.

Read more... (external site)

Other PhD research by Dr. Zoe Pirie MRSS Dip.BSS-DO showed that GP attendance rates and numbers of prescriptions written fell by half after only 6 Shiatsu sessions and that this amazing result lasted up to 2 months after the final treatment.

There is other interesting information about research, including the Shiatsu Systematic Evidence Review on The Shiatsu Society (UK) website.

 

 

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pregnancy and labour


Shiatsu and:
about Tamsin
contact information
external sites
The Shiatsu School, Edinburgh
 

Now booking for:

New 2-day course for baby massage instructors October 2009: Integrating baby-shiatsu

On-going baby-shiatsu classes


baby-shiatsu
soothe and play massage classes available at new central Edinburgh venue: contact

tel: Tamsin Grainger MRSS
(0131) 555 1875
e: shiatsu@ryoho.co.uk

baby-shiatsu is simple to learn and fun to do in a group

ages: birth upwards

techniques for preventing
and dealing with colic and other discomforts

Evening Shiatsu classes for beginners

classes start Thursday 17th September in Bread Street, Edinburgh. Book early as there is always a waiting list!

Phone 07821 264 882; email admin@tssed.org for details; www.tssed.org for full details.

Full three-year Practitioner / Introductory Days / Seated Shiatsu short certificated courses / Intensive practitioner training and more now available with
The Shiatsu School, Edinburgh

Thursdays 1.15-2.15 pm at the Birth Resource Centre, 0131 229 3667 for 5 weeks. Next block starts Thursday 20th August 2009. Join now!

 

 
 
       

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