Shiatsu

Shiatsu is regulated as a licensed medical therapy in Japan by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. For more than one thousand years, Shiatsu has been used in Japan to treat pain and illness and to maintain health. A form of bodywork therapy that is based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is a therapy of physical and energy rebalance. The word Shiatsu comes from Japanese shi meaning finger, and atsu meaning pressure. Using a series of techniques with thumbs, fingers and palms, rhythmic pressure is applied to specific areas and points along meridians ( pathways through which energy flows) on the body to stimulate chi or vital energy and correct any internal dysfunction, promote and keep health and treat specific illnesses.. A session begins with gentle stretching and manipulation of the skin to allow the stimulation of energy and relax the muscles. Depending on the need of the person receiving the massage, it can be very gentle and calming or used with high pressure but should never hurt or feel painful.

Benefits of Shiatsu: Shiatsu can help alleviate the pain associated with a wide range of conditions. Shiatsu can also assist an individual with their self development and self healing; balancing the underlying causes of a condition; taking into account the functioning of the physical and psychological; promoting health and strengthening the body’s own healing abilities. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build-up of stress in our daily lives. Following a Shiatsu treatment, the individual may have feelings of increased vitality and relaxation. Some of the immediate physical benefits of Shiatsu are to: Stimulate the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems. Regulate the activity of the autonomic nervous system.