Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese ‘massage-type' therapy rooted in Traditional Oriental Medicine.  It is closely related to acupuncture in its aims, theory and history, but instead of using needles the practitioner applies pressure to energy channels in the body using primarily thumbs, fingers, hands or elbows, but also the knees or feet.  Stretching and joint mobilisation techniques are also used to stimulate the flow of energy and to increase flexibility.  The aim of Shiatsu is to stimulate this energy and to smooth its flow, and in the process remove any imbalances, blockages or deficiencies — which tend to manifest in health or emotional problems.  Shiatsu works to harmonise the flow of energy throughout the whole person: mind, body and spirit. 

Shiatsu feels great to receive and, as a result, can be used purely for relaxation or to provide an energetic boost, and regular Shiatsu is a great way of preventing illness by keeping the energy balanced and harmonised. However, it is also a powerful alternative or complementary therapy and has been used to treat many physical and emotional conditions.  Not everyone's symptoms respond to Shiatsu, as everyone is different and everyone's symptoms are different, but conditions which have responded include pain, musculo-skeletal problems, digestive and circulatory ailments, panic or anxiety attacks, depression, migraines, women's health issues, and sufferers of degenerative conditions, such as MS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, have noticed alleviation of symptoms.  Shiatsu is safe and gentle, and can be combined with most other types of treatment.  The client remains fully-clothed and is treated on a padded mat on the floor (or in a chair/couch if this is a problem for the client).