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Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on-Japanese
form of bodywork for maintaining health. Shiatsu can
be a deeply relaxing experience and regular shiatsu
sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our
daily lives.
Background to Shiatsu
Shiatsu being an oriental therapy, is based on the principles
of oriental medicine where health is a question of balancing
the diverse forces existing in the human organism. It
is not concerned with eliminating disease directly,
but in bringing the human being to a condition of dynamic
equilibrium. Symptoms of ill health may, in the process,
be diminished or removed, but the emphasis is given
to health and not to illness.
The vital energy called 'Ki' in the East, is the basic
life force in all living beings, including man. Ki energy
flows in the human body and forms channels that are
called 'meridians' - the basis of oriental medicine.
This free stream of energy through our body is essential
for the physical, intellectual and emotional health,
but is always subject to disturbances.
Accumulation or deficit of Ki in different zones of
the body creates conditions that effect our state of
health and illness can arise
A Shiatsu practitioner will consider your state of
health, the symptoms you are experiencing and, depending
on your constitution and general energy levels, will
use use a variety of techniques to improve your energy
flow. These may include gentle holding, pressing with
palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet on the
meridians and when appropriate, more dynamic rotations
and stretches.
Focused attention will often be given to acu-pressure
points or 'Tsubos', which are points or that condense
Ki energy and allow us to contact and act on these meridians
in more intense way These points are the same ones used
by acupuncturists.
Why have Shiatsu ?
As the energy flow in the body becomes harmonious and
the quality of Ki changes the symptoms associated with
stagnation and imbalance will gradually improve. This
can give an increased feeling of general well-being
as well as relief from physical symptoms
However, we don't need to be actually ill before we
can feel the benefits of Shiatsu! We can approach Shiatsu
as we would Hatha Yoga or Tai Chi - as a means of harmonising
body and soul, maintaining and improving our health.
Shiatsu can help us to inhabit our body in a more conscious
way and shake ourselves loose from old patterns
.What to expect in a session
each session lasts approximately one hour. the first
session will be slightly longer as it is necessary to
take a detailed case history and thereby develop a complete
picture of your health according to the principles of
oriental medicine.
The session usually takes place on a padded mat or futon
on floor level. although it is possible to receive Shiatsu
sitting on a chair if you are unable to lie down. The
client remains fully clothed. Following a treatment,
their can be a feeling of increased vitality and you
may feel invigorated or relaxed.
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