Although many people find that Shiatsu helps in combating a wide range of conditions once they start, an increasing number are discovering that it is also great as a regular ‘toning up' treatment. Many cultures around the world recognize the existence of an energetic body working in concert with the physical flesh and bones. Exercise regimes such as yoga, tai chi and many martial arts are based upon just such an idea. Shiatsu, like acupuncture, works primarily with the energetic body, enhancing and strengthening its ability to deal with everything life throws at you. The idea is that if your energy, or ki, is flowing well, you feel good and are in good general health. If, on the other hand, your ki becomes slow, stagnant or unbalanced, you start to become less well and prone to illness.

In this model, the energetic body is seen as being composed of a substance known as ‘chi', which flows around and through every part of the body, and which can be accessed at various places which have become known as acupuncture points. Within this framework, energy, or chi, is sub-divided into five parts or phases, each being associated with a particular element, colour, set of organ functions and, interestingly, seasons. This brings me on to springtime.

Spring is associated with wood energy which is characterised by, among many other things, growth, flexibility and strength. It is particularly linked to joints, tendons and ligaments which should be just that, strong and flexible, and the ability to adapt to changing situations - rather like a tree bending in a strong wind.

In keeping with all this, at this time of year, I tend to find more people coming to me with aches and pains, particularly in their joints. I would see as an expression of a ‘wood imbalance', at a time when wood energy is on the increase.

Physical symptoms aside, a wood imbalance can also manifest as a short temper, and inability to make decisions or to adapt to change. Further information about all this is on my website, www.shiatsu-co.co.uk.

The practitioners of the Dedham Vale Network here give some advice on certain actions you can take to maintain health over the cold, dark days ahead. The DVN, formed a year ago, is a group of therapists pledged towards promoting health, support and Therapy choices in the Dedham Vale area and the wider locality.

Homeopathy: Notes for autumn ailments

This year the contrast between such a hot dry summer and a damp autumn has made life particularly difficult for many people with asthma, rheumatism and arthritis.  It is important not to self prescribe for these serious conditions. However, the remedies that will be invaluable in the relief of such deep illnesses can also be useful for conditions you can treat yourself.