Jo Tomalin

Shiatsu Practitioner

Three years ago I went on an introductory shiatsu weekend out of curiosity, fell in love with the practice and signed up on the spot for a three year course with the Manchester Shiatsu College. This was both challenging and delightful. It involved presenting creative assignments on theory and concepts (as likely to be delivered in dance or aromatherapy as in writing) and detailed study of anatomy and physiology. There were 32 training weekends and a longer residential, watching experienced teachers, and then practising their techniques on each other. And in between sessions I was working with volunteers and then paying clients (after receiving a certificate in Acupressure after the end of the first year). The course overlapped with the last two years before retirement from my job as a university lecturer where I was teaching and supporting young people becoming teachers.

I am now fully qualified to deliver shiatsu (MRSS: Member of the Register of the Shiatsu Society).

If you book a session with me, I will send you a questionnaire in advance to allow me to think about your symptoms and possible treatment. At the session I will ask you how you are and if anything has changed, and whether there are parts of your body I should be careful with or avoid touching, and positions that would be difficult for you. I may look at your tongue. I’ll then ask you to lie down, usually on your back to start with, and do a quick scan of your body, then a hara diagnosis (gently touching your belly) and make a few notes. I’ll then start the treatment itself, which may involve stretches and mobilisations, and gentle pressure on your body with my palms or thumbs. It will usually cover most of your body, and may involve moving into side or prone position. At any point I will use bolsters and cushions to make sure that you are comfortable. During the session some people fall asleep, some feel meditative, some see colours or images, some are interested in the sensations: there is no one best way to experience shiatsu.

We’ll then end with a drink of water and some feedback. I may make recommendations, which could be to use pressure points on yourself, or to bring awareness to parts of your body or emotional states, or consider making some lifestyle changes.