What are the benefits of Shiatsu?

People who receive Shiatsu use words such as relaxing, invigorating, interesting, therapeutic and rewarding to describe their experience. It uses a unique combination of pressure, acupressure and stretching alongside gentle joint and fascial manipulation. Shiatsu normally has excellent results with back and postural problems, as well as being highly effective for stress and stress related conditions. Shiatsu can be chosen for many reasons such as recovery from sports injuries, general maintenance, well being and support whilst managing difficult periods in life, or as part of management during recovery of more serious health conditions. Many people come to Shiatsu initially with a specific issue they would like help with, and continue to have regular treatment to support their health and energy.

What happens in a Shiatsu treatment?

Your treatment is carried out on a sturdy massage plinth and with the support of a Bodycushion. As Shiatsu is a clothed treatment you are best off wearing soft, stretchy clothing and socks. During treatment pressure is applied to the meridians (energy pathways) and the practitioner will usually use a combination of stretches, massage, pressure points and gentle holding. Cupping and Moxa are also available by prior appointment. Treatments are tailored to the individual and will be different for each client and each session.

How many treatments will I need?

You will normally feel some improvement after the first treatment, and in some cases just a couple of sessions can relieve long-standing pain or discomfort. Sometimes a course of between 4 – 8 sessions are needed to gain maximum benefit. Treatment courses are tailored to your individual needs and can vary in number and frequency.

Most of my clients continue to receive monthly or 6 weekly treatments to support their health and wellbeing , as they feel so much better with regular Shiatsu sessions. (This is more in the tradition of Oriental Medicine, where regular sessions support and nurture health and wellbeing – this being held to be equallly, if not more important than using it for “crisis managment “.)

What happens after a treatment?

Generally a Shiatsu treatment will result in a wonderful feeling of well-being, but occasionally there are mild side effects such as headaches, flu-like symptoms, emotional releases and stiffness. These do not generally last longer than 24-48 hours and usually subside with subsequent treatments; these are signs of elimination and the beginning of the recovery of life-force. If symptoms persist please contact your health professional.

Does it hurt?

Sometimes there can be energetic blockages in the body that can initially feel tender to work, but quickly ease off and leave you with a feeling of ease and relaxation. Generally clients say Shiatsu is a real pleasure, and deeply relaxing to receive. Your practitioner will not do anything that will make you feel uncomfortable.

Moxa and Cupping

Moxa is a deeply relaxing treatment that shares its origins alongside acupuncture thousands of years ago. Moxa is a herb that is allowed to smoulder over acupuncture points (without touching them) to gently warm and increase Blood and Qi flow to the area. In the northern parts of Europe we are often affected by Cold and Damp, and this warming treatment helps to relieve pain as well as muscle and joint aches.

Cupping therapy has been found in ancient records dating back 3500 years and it is still used today because it is safe, comfortable and remarkably effective. A partial vacuum is created in cups placed on the skin either by means of heat or suction and this allows for a particularly deep form of massage that stimulates the movement of Blood, Qi and Body Fluids. This releases tension from the underlying muscles, and Cupping can be used for muscle pain and old injuries. Both Moxa and Cupping is often used in combination with Shiatsu.

Fees

Treatments are around 60 minutes and £68 per session.

The full fee will normally be charged in the event of missed appointments or late cancellations with less than 24 hours notice.

Gift certificates are available throughout the year for someone special who would love a Shiatsu Bodywork session !

Contact us to find out more.