Shiatsu is a form of clothed body work that uses many of the principles of Traditional Oriental Medicine to diagnose and treat clients.
Shiatsu is effective for many complaints - Back/neck/joint pain and Arthritis, Digestive/bowel disorders, Headaches/migraines, Anxiety/stress/depression, Insomnia, Improves posture & flexibility, Menstrual problems, Respiratory illness incl. bronchitis & asthma.
Pregnant women find shiatsu very supportive and relaxing after the first trimester and shiatsu techniques are a great help during labour, and can easily be taught to birthing partners...contact the clinic for more info.
Using techniques like finger pressure, stretching, rocking and holding, normally carried out on a futon on the floor, it promotes the free flow of energy along the channels or meridians of the body which are the pathways along which energy flows.
Along each meridian are certain pressure points, which are also used by acupuncturists. Shiatsu is often described as acupuncture without needles.
The aim of shiatsu is to bring about balance and a healing response on all levels.
The average session lasts for about one hour, which will include consultation time and bodywork. The initial consultation may take longer, to allow for a thorough health assessment. All information is treated confidentially.
Treatment usually takes place on a futon on the floor but can also be carried out in sitting position on a stool or a chair.
Treatment is best carried out through loose, warm, comfortable clothing, preferably made from natural fibres, e.g. cotton sweatshirt, jogging pants, clean cotton socks.
For full benefit from a treatment, allow time afterwards to rest and assimilate the effects.
A study carried out by Professor Andrew F Long of the School of Healthcare at the University of Leeds earlier this year found that shiatsu was effective in treating two of the biggest causes of absenteeism from work in the western world, stress and back pain.
Those who took part in the study in Austria, Spain and Britain found shiatsu relieved stress, tension and fatigue, as well as back pain and other problems with muscles, joints and posture.
Besides helping with specific conditions, it was also found that shiatsu had an effect on clients’ attitudes to managing their own health.
Up to 80% changed their lifestyle as a result of shiatsu in the areas of diet, exercise and relaxation time.
The study found that they started to use less conventional medication for the ailments being treated by shiatsu and lowered their use of conventional medicines overall.
It should be noted, however, that some conditions require medication that shiatsu cannot replace. Changing the use of prescribed medication should not be done without first consulting a GP.
Shiatsu..
improves and maintains health and wellbeing;
is safe and effective;
helps specific health conditions;
may have a role to play in public health.
increases relaxation and a sense of calm (95% of participants)
energises receivers ( 71% of participants )
helps people cope better ( 71% of participants )
79% of clients made positive lifestyle changes particularly to diet and exercise as a result of receiving shiatsu
18% reduced their use of conventional medicine treatments
23% reduced their use of conventional medication
82% of participants report an overall improvement in health
