About Shiatsu
The word Shiatsu means “finger pressure” in Japanese and is pronounced shy-at-soo.
In Shiatsu and Chinese Acupuncture, energy meridians run over the whole body and are pathways for the body’s energy or Ki. The smooth flow of Ki is essential for both mental and physical health.
Shiatsu aims to strengthen and balance the meridians by the use of massage, stretching and hand pressure.
History of Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu is the most common form of Shiatsu practiced today in the UK. It was developed by Shizuto Masunaga in the early 1970’s. However it still keeps its roots both in Traditional Chinese Medicine and in the traditional Japanese massage called Amna.
Benefits of Shiatsu
Each Shiatsu treatment is individually tailored to the client’s needs.
Common conditions that Shiatsu may help are:
- Back pain
- Headaches, migraines
- Muscle and joint stiffness
- Joint pain and reduced mobility
- Asthmatic symptoms
- Sports injuries
- Stress
- And more…
Preparing for a Treatment
We recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing for your treatment. Include socks and long-sleeves, if possible, as your body temperature may drop during the treatment as you relax. Avoid jeans as they don’t generally allow enough leg movement for stretches.
Please avoid eating heavily before the treatment. It can be harder to relax if your stomach is working on digesting a large meal.
It is advisable to avoid alcohol before and after a treatment. The alcohol may affect you more than usual and you could feel worse as the Shiatsu works to help your body flush out toxins.
The Shiatsu Treatment
Shiatsu treatments are normally performed on a futon matt on the floor. Please let us know in advance if this may be an issue and a therapy table can be used instead. Your comfort during a session is important so covers and pillows will be provided where necessary. There is no need to remove any clothes (except for shoes).
At the first treatment, you will be asked to fill in a health questionnaire and we will discuss what brought you for a treatment. For further treatments, we would only need to discuss your immediate requirements for that session.
Each treatment is individually tailored to the client’s needs and is likely to involve leg and arm rotations, muscle and back stretches and massage in conjunction with palm and thumb pressure.
After a Treatment
Please try to make sure you drink enough water after a treatment. The body needs to replace the water it uses to flush out toxins.
Also avoid, if possible, strenuous activities after your treatment.