Dedham Vale Network

What is Shiatsu

Shiatsu (a Japanese word meaning ‘finger pressure’) is an increasingly popular and surprisingly powerful complementary Therapy which uses the body’s own energies to strengthen and improve health and well being. It has its roots in the healing arts and sciences of ancient China, adapted in Japan in the twentieth century by Shizuto Masunaga, a psychiatrist, who incorporated modern Western ideas of physiology and psychology into the traditional Oriental body model. Basically, Shiatsu uses the same system of points and meridians as acupuncture to assist the body to achieve balance and to strengthen the body’s ability to resist and recover from disease, injury, emotional trauma or the general stresses of modern life.

From time to time we all develop imbalances in our natural equilibrium whether from the after effects of illness, trauma, injury or constitutional or environmental factors. These can manifest as aches and pains, sleeping disorders, lack of energy or a myriad other symptoms. Like Acupuncture, Shiatsu works on Qi (or Chi), the basic energy that underlies every movement and function of the body. Instead of using needles, however, practitioners use pressure applied primarily with the hands, to remove blockages and allow efficient Qi flow, thus restoring balance.

What can Shiatsu treat?

Because it is holistic in its approach, treating the whole body system as opposed to simply the prevalent symptom, Shiatsu can have a beneficial effect on most conditions. Shiatsu is truly versatile. It will effectively treat physical injuries, emotional problems, menstrual or digestive difficulties, sleeping disorders and a myriad other conditions.

Most commonly it is used to treat:
• Back problems
• Frozen shoulder
• Sleeping problems
• Digestive disorders
• Menstrual problems
• Depression
• ME
• General aches and pains
• Headache
• Etc
• Etc

What to expect

Shiatsu is traditionally given at floor level on a futon. This allows the practitioner to use their body weight to perform stretches and apply pressure correctly. It allows greater control and a better feel for how the client’s body reacts. It also allows greater penetration into the meridian points under treatment. Pressure can be applied using hands, elbows or knees, with the client being on their front, back, side or sometimes sitting.

Clients remain fully clothed throughout the treatment, and all aspects of the treatment remain absolutely confidential.

Although there may be some minor discomfort, most people find Shiatsu a deeply relaxing experience, and it is not unusual for clients to fall asleep during a treatment.

Occasionally, clients may experience an emotional release during the treatment, and/or may feel a little ‘spacey’ or nauseous following the session. Others may have temporary lower back discomfort, but these are short lived effects and are indicative of the healing process.

Loose fitting clothes should be worn as this allows a greater range of movement during the treatment – jogging bottoms and a long sleeved tee shirt are ideal, although short sleeves are also suitable.