Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a fairly modern Japanese body therapy that derives its principles from ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine.

Health is restored when a balance is reached between yin and yang the energetic forces between mind, body and spirit.

Yin and yang are the opposite, yet complementary energies of existence, yin is feminine and passive, yang is masculine and active. Shitasu helps to bring harmony between the yin and yang energies of the body and its internal organs.

There are fourteen energy meridians, and pressure is applied to key points along these pathways where the energy is blocked or over-stimulated. The word shiatsu means finger pressure, although the practitioner can use hands, elbows, knees and feet to apply the pressure.

Shiatsu can also incorporate Western osteopathy to stretch and manipulate the joints and ease tension, thereby helping to clear blockages in the energy pathways. The aim of shiatsu is to restore a balance in the flow of ki (chi) as it inerconnects the vital organs.

The practitioner takes a general assessment of the clients state of health through observing the skin colour and muscle tone and taking a case history. He/she then leans a steady weight into the key points of the relevant meridian for up to 10 seconds before slowly releasing the pressure. The session, which lasts between 45-60 minutes is always carried out on the floor, with the client fully dressed in comfortable clothing, lying on the mattress.

The bladder meridian is the largest in the body and runs down each side of the spine to the sacrum, the triangular bond forming the back of the pelvis. Thumb pressure applied on the sacral points can relieve sciatica and lower back pain.

Pressure on the gall bladder points can release congestion in the pelvoc area, this is particulary effective in relieving genito-urinary conditions in women as well as easing lower back pain.

The qualified Shiatsu therapist knows that one of the essential components of the treatment is to focas on his own breathing and posture and all the movements should emanate from the hara, the point just below the naval, which is the seat of this vital energy. This itself brings a calm and meditive mind which imparts itself through contact of touch as a healing force.

Shiatsu is a holistic therapy which works on the body, mind and spirit. It can bring tranquility to the mind and can alleviate many physical problems, such as back pain, muscular tension, headaches and digestive problems. Shiatsy seeks to help the whole patient rather than the symptoms that the illness or condition presents.