Shiatsu

WHAT IS SHIATSU?

Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese form of bodywork and is translated as 'finger pressure'. The therapy's ancient roots and philosophy of practice are based on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy, or qi (pronounced "chee") through the body. This energy is said to flow through the body via channels called 'meridians'. The treatment is focused on working directly with these channels and 'tsubos', (which are energy points) along the meridians. In Western terms Shiatsu is seen as a way of encouraging the body to calm down the sympathetic nervous system, boost circulation and let go of built up stress and tension.

SHIATSU STYLES AND TREATMENT APPROACH

Shiatsu today has a multitude of styles and approaches indeed each practitioner has their own individual style. Within this, though, there is a core structure underlying each treatment which has been evolving for 8000 years or more.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A TREATMENT?

The treatment is normally based at floor level but can also be practiced on a massage bench or chair. The shiatsu practitioner will use his or her own body weight to apply specific techniques ie; perpendicular hand and thumb pressure and gentle stretching techniques. The treatment is said to feel a bit like a massage however the focus is not just on relieving physical tension but working with the energy of the body, so, depending on your age and what is going on for you at the time of treatment on a mental and emotional level the sensation you get from a treatment may vary.