PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Shiatsu

• What is Shiatsu?
• Common conditions which have been helped by Shiatsu
• What to expect in a session
• Background to Shiatsu
• Benefits of Shiatsu
• What is Healing - Shiatsu?
• Treating the Whole Person
• Providing Self Help and Empowering the Client
• Individual Session - What to expect
• After the Session

What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives.

Common conditions which have been helped by Shiatsu:

• Back pain
• Headaches, migraines
• Whiplash injuries and neck stiffness
• Joint pain and reduced mobility
• Menstrual problems
• Digestive problems
• Asthmatic symptoms
• Sports injuries
• Depression

What to expect in a session
Each session lasts approximately one hour. The first session may be slightly longer since your practitioner will take a detailed case history to develop a complete picture of your health according to the principles of oriental medicine
The session usually takes place on a padded mat or futon at floor level, although it is possible to receive Shiatsu sitting on a chair if you are unable to lie down. THe client stays fully clothed. Following a treatment, there can be a feeling of increased vitality and you may feel invigorated yet relaxed.

Background to Shiatsu
The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely and this then produces a symtom.
Your shiasu practitioner will consider your state of health, the symptoms you are experiencing and , depending on your constitution and general energy levels, will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy flow. These may include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and stretches.
As the quality of Ki changes, the symptoms associated with a lack of flow will gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being - not just the physical body but also on an emotional and/or mental level.

Benefits of Shiatsu

• It relaxes mind and body
• It restores and balances energy
• It eases tension and stiffness
• It improves breathin
• It improves postures
• It imporve circulation
• It enhances well being
  
  

What is Healing - Shiatsu?
Sonia Moriceau's extensive years of training and practice in both Zen Buddhism and Shiatsu have led her to create an approach called "Healing - Shiatsu." Healing - Shiatsu is a non intrusive from of healing: the practitioner's role lies in preparing the client physically and mentally so that a recovery can take place.

Treating the Whole Person
Through an understanding of the whole being - the breathing pattern, posture and mental attitude - practitioner and client reach to the true origin of the suffering, be it mental or physical.

Providing Self Help and Empowering the Client
Healing - Shiatsu asks the client little by little to take full responsibility for his/her own state of health. In addition to a shiatsu session the practitioner introduces, where relevant, a system of self-healing exercises aimed at working on certain areas of the body related to the condition of the individual. Through guidance and support the client learns how to be independent and self-reliant and can maintain a state of well-being throughout life.

Individual Session - What to expect
A Healing - Shiatsu session lasts from 40 to 60 minutes. The session is given with the client fully dressed, but preferably wearing loose fitting clothes of natural fibre to allow for movement. The client is asked to lie on a comfortable mat on the floor, although the practitioner will take account of any physical disabilities. Generally the practitioner works on the whole of the body. The session should not be painful, but if pain is felt the client should tell his/her practitioner at once. Self-help techniques may be discussed at the end of the session

After the Session
The client should then go home and rest for a couple of hours or at least should not engage in strenuous or stressful activities. The effect of a Healing - Shiatsu session may be felt immediately, or later on in the day. If strong reactions are being experienced at a later stage, the client should not hesitate to contact the practitioner who will be able to explain the reaction and make suggestion to help ease the discomfort felt.

Stephanie Harrington practices Shiatsu, Craniosacral Therapy and Indian Head Massage at the Haelan Clinic.

Char Scrivener practices Shiatsu and Seitai at the Haelan Clinic

For Clinic times, contact details and information about the Haelan Clinic practitioners see The Practitioners page.

Back to top