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