What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our lives.
Conditions that can be helped by Shiatsu:
* Back pain
* Neck stiffness
* Joint pain / reduced mobility
* Sports injuries
* Stress
Background:
The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is vital energy flows throughout the body in a series of channels called ‘meridians’. For many different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely.
Your practitioner will consider your health, symptoms and energy levels, use techniques to improve your energy flow – gentle holding, pressing, thumbs, fingers, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, stretches.
As the Ki changes, the symptoms associated with a lack of flow will gradually improve. Shiatsu practitioners work on the individual as a complete being – not just the body but also on an emotional and/or mental level.
Sessions:
Sessions lasts approximately one hour.
Usually takes place on a padded mat (futon). It is possible to receive Shiatsu sitting on a chair. The client stays fully clothed.
Benefits of Shiatsu:
* relaxes mind and body
* restores and balances energy
* eases tension and stiffness
* improves posture
* enhances well being
When discussing massage, Shiatsu is often confused with another form of massage, Swedish massage. Swedish massage is a type of massage that originated in Sweden and is based on kneading and rubbing pressure along the length of the muscle. Shiatsu is a type of massage that originates from Japan and is based on pressure applied to specific points on the body. While Swedish massage is often used for the treatment of pain, Shiatsu is often used for the treatment of relaxation and stress relief.
Kindly provided by The Shiatsu Society (UK)
The Society (not-for-profit organisation) was set up in 1981 to facilitate communication within the field of Shiatsu and to inform the public of the benefits of this form of therapy. The Society has grown to form a network linking individuals, and to fulfil the role of Professional Association for Shiatsu Practitioners.