Relaxing...   Energising...    Uplifting...    Balancing... 

 

Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic bodywork, utilising the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which seeks to promote health through touch.

  • Shiatsu can improve your sense of wellbeing, may relieve pain, can help reduce your need for medication and may prevent stress related disorders. It may provide you with a much needed boost in your energy levels.
  • Some people feel that shiatsu has been particularly beneficial during times of stress, at home or at work, or during periods of transition. It can provide a safe space for relaxation and reflection.
  • Shiatsu may help in the recovery period of an injury, helping the body to recover more quickly and with less dependence on medication. It may also help to reduce the time taken to recover following surgery or reduce the impact of invasive medical procedures such as chemotherapy.
  • Of particular interest to me as a practitioner is of course the application of shiatsu to pregnancy and childbirth - helping to support the rapid changes the body undergoes during this time and the natural process of labour itself.
  • Shiatsu can be a gateway to self-development. Through treatment an individual can learn more about the way their body works and how a physical symptom can be intricately linked to their thoughts and feelings. Shiatsu can help us become more sensitive to the subtle changes within and we can learn to balance out Ki more effectively.


The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is one of vital energy flowing throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. The aim is to keep the meridians open and the energy flowing smoothly.

If this is disturbed the body can go on to develop a problem with resulting symptoms. With this central concept in mind Shiatsu is appropriate both for maintaining good health and in helping the body return to this state.

Shiatsu holds some common philosophy with acupuncture but instead of needles the practitioner uses their hands, elbows, knees or feet to access the body's vital energy. 

They may also incorporate stretching and other massage techniques to help them in this pursuit. Shiatsu was originally developed in Japan, based on earlier forms of oriental massage and has become popular all over the world. 

 

Shiatsu may not be appropriate in the following cases or may require further discussion before commencing treatment  

  • Any acute or feverish illness
  • Infectious disease
  • Illness associated with internal bleeding or blood clots