What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is an Oriental Body Therapy that benefits physical and mental well-being.

In the Oriental view of illness, all physical and mental disharmonies reflect disturbances of the smooth flow of Ki (also written Qi or Chi) within the body. Ki, which can be loosely translated as Life Energy, circulates in channels in the body, arms and legs.

Using hand and thumb pressure, I help to rebalance the flow of Ki allowing the benefits of shiatsu to be experienced at both the physical and the mental level.

Shiatsu uses similar principles to those used in Acupuncture, but instead of using needles to stimulate specific points, shiatsu uses touch to work the whole channel as well as individual points.

Shiatsu treatments do not require the skin to be touched directly as I can readily feel and move the Ki through ordinary clothing.

Last but not least, as shiatsu involves moving Ki, not bones or muscles, there are no strong twists or pulls on the body.

What can Shiatsu treat?

Almost any physical or mental condition can benefit from shiatsu. Stress, tension, musculo-skeletal problems (e.g. whiplash and backache) and menstrual problems are among the commonest reasons for consulting a shiatsu therapist.

What happens at a treatment?

Normally you lie on a futon (a Japanese floor mattress) but if you can't lie on the floor, you can sit in a chair to be treated. It is important that you feel comfortable, so it is best to wear loose clothing. (Unlike conventional massage, shiatsu is done with the recipient fully clothed).

Using my hands, fingers and thumbs, I apply pressure to one or more of the Ki channels in your body, arms and legs. Just enough pressure is used to produce comfortable sensations of relaxation; there are no extreme manipulations in shiatsu!

Afterwards your body feels relaxed and your mind alert.

How long is a treatment?

Each treatment lasts about an hour, but on the first visit you should allow a bit longer as I need to establish a good understanding of your general health now and in the past. I use this information to tailor the treatments to your individual needs.

How many treatments?

How many treatments you will need depends, of course, on the type of condition and how long it has troubled you. Nearly everyone feels benefit after the first session. I will explain my treatment plan to you after your first visit.

Supplementary techniques

In addition to shiatsu, I use indirect moxibustion and magnet therapy to ease discomfort and promote healing. Whether or not I would recommend either or both of these techniques would depend on the individual and the particular condition being treated.