| Shiatsu
What
is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu,
a Japanese therapy, is a form of healing closely related
to acupuncture. Instead of needles, the practitioner
applies pressure with hands, elbows, knees and feet.
Stretching techniques are also used to stimulate and
promote well-being, Shiatsu provides a relaxing, supportive,
effective treatment.
Shiatsu
combines a 4,000 year-old understanding of energy, derived
from Oriental medicine , with modern knowledge of anatomy
and physiology.
It is an officially recognised therapy in Japan, and
has spread from the East worldwide. Shiatsu is one of
the fastest growing areas of complementary medicine
in the U.K.
Maintaining
health & preventing stress... Shiatsu not only relieves
specific complaints, but also helps to maintain over-all
health, bringing relaxation and a feeling of well-being.
Many people use Shiatsu preventively to help them keep
well, live their lives to the full and counter the effects
of everyday stress.
Shiatsu is also particularly effective during pregnancy
to strengthen and balance the body's energy and aid
relaxation. It can also be helpful for back pain, oedema,
and high blood pressure.
How
does Shiatsu work?
The
application of pressure and stretching techniques works
to relieve muscle tension, ease joint stiffness and
re-align the structure of the body. Pressure along the
energy pathways helps to correct imbalances in the functioning
of the internal organs. Treatment is deeply relaxing
and has an over-all calming effect, so allowing the
body's self-healing process to work more effectively.
What
happens in a Shiatsu treatment?
At your first appointment you may be asked detailed
questions about your health. A Shiatsu practitioner
treats you as a whole person, so it is important for
him or her to have an understanding of all the factors
that may be affecting your health.
If you have had treatment or received a diagnosis of
your condition from you doctor/other practitioner, please
mention this to your Shiatsu practitioner. Shiatsu usually
takes place on a soft mat on the floor, although you
may be treated sitting. After the treatment you will
relax for a few minutes.
The
practitioner will review your progress in the light
of each treatment and may recommend measures such as
breathing exercises or dietary changes, which you can
apply to yourself in between visits.
How
long is each treatment?
Sessions
last for about an hour, including the treatment and
time for discussion. The initial session will generally
be longer as the practitioner needs to go through more
detailed questions about your health and why you have
come for treatment.
What
should I wear?
Shiatsu is performed through clothing so please wear
a loose fitting top an trousers. Skirts. jeans and tight
trousers are not suitable.
How
many treatments will I need?
This
varies greatly from person to person. Often some good
effects are felt after just one treatment, but a series
of treatments may be needed to make a significant change
in the condition. Typically, a client may choose to
visit weekly until a consistent improvement is reached,
progressing to fortnightly, the monthly intervals. After
a course of treatment is over, you may still choose
to come regularly to maintain good health.
What
if I am taking medication?
Shiatsu does not interfere with any medication - in
fact it can complement any conventional medical treatment
you may be receiving. Shiatsu will assist the healing
process by its overall strengthening effect, improving
the circulation of energy, blood and lymph, and reducing
stress.
How
do I know that my practitioner is qualified?
The Shiatsu Society maintains a Register of qualified
practitioners, each of whom has been assessed for their
professionalism and clinical expertise by a panel of
highly respected practitioners and teachers of Shiatsu.
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