Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a massage treatment carried out fully clothed. You would usually lie on the floor on a futon, but treatments are possible in other positions where mobility is restricted, including seated in a chair or on a higher massage table.
There are many shiatsu traditions, coming from Japan and incorporating traditional Chinese medicine, along with some Western ideas. Masunaga (or Zen) Shiatsu works with meridians on the whole body, aiming to balance energy for better health and relaxation. Treatments may work with particular pressure points, and include stretches and mobilisations. No two treatments are the same: I will look at health and general information provided before and in the session, look at the client’s body for signs of areas that are imbalanced or need attention, and do a hara diagnosis (moving hands gently on the belly area) to work out which meridians to prioritise.
It works in subtle ways to balance energy and promote healing in the body, physically, emotionally or both. In my experience it is particularly good for any symptom related to stress or inflammation, and the level of relaxation supports healing strongly. Many people I work with say that they’ve never experienced such deep relaxation before.
Things people say I’ve helped with include:
- muscular aches and strains including back pain, shoulder pain, sciatica, arthritis, runners’ injuries;
- sleep problems; digestive problems;
- tinnitus; sinusitis; migraines;
- anxiety; grief; frustration; work stress; making decisions;
- motivation to make healthy lifestyle changes;
- pain after chemotherapy; peripheral neuropathy;
- fatigue; long Covid and post-viral symptoms.
Generally the longer someone has been experiencing a problem the more sessions it may take to help it heal.
Details and background to shiatsu and Masunaga (Zen) shiatsu can be found on the shiatsu society pages: