Balance Energy and Strengthen Vitality with UK-Shiatsu

A New Branch from an Old Root

Neil has been involved in the study of shiatsu since 1995

Shiatsu - is a Japanese therapy that traces its origins back to ancient Chinese medical traditions.

Combining the knowledge of anatomy and physiology with the wisdom of oriental medical philosophy, shiatsu employs the techniques of manual pressure and gentle stretching to release tension and stress.

Some of the conditions that shiatsu can help include: muscular tension and pain, headaches, arthritic pain, digestive problems, menstrual irregularities, insomnia, and anxiety.

Shiatsu's sensitive, deep pressure is slowly applied to specific points along the body's energy pathways, or meridians, inducing a state of relaxation wherein the body's natural healing mechanisms operate more freely.

Because of this technique, no oils are used and the client can be fully clothed during treatment. Shiatsu is most effective when it is received regularly before illness occurs, and when combined with a health conscious lifestyle.

Shiatsu is beneficial for:

The practitioner uses gentleness, fluidity, and rhythmical motion to work with the imbalances in the client's Qi. Progressively, over a number of sessions, the client can learn how to assist in the balance of his or her own Qi.

Some shiatsu practitioners use a massage table; others use the floor in order to apply a wider variety of techniques. If the floor is used, the person lies on a futon, an exercise mat, or a mattress especially made for shiatsu. The practitioner then works by kneeling, sitting, crawling, and standing near the client. The client remains fully clothed for shiatsu with loose, comfortable clothing. The body and/or feet may be covered with a sheet or blanket. The room is maintained at a comfortable temperature, and soft background music can help to bring the person to a relaxed state of mind and body.

Qi flows through the meridian pathways in all parts of the body. There are more than 300 acupoints along the way. Acupuncture requires the insertion of a single needle for each acupoint selected. In shiatsu the application to these meridian pathways by the practitioner's fingers, hands, knees, or elbows covers several of these critical points simultaneously.

Continual diagnosis is part of the treatment. It is a supportive system: reciprocal, interdependent, and co-operative between giver and receiver. The healing energy and awareness build in this synergy for both practitioner and client. As Wataru Ohashi describes, "The giver is the receiver, the receiver the giver."

Shiatsu as a healing art is deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Incorporating the therapeutic massage, and embracing its original focus of meditation and self healing, Shiatsu is gaining popularity in the West. Shiatsu is a balance between practitioner and receiver, in which the healing power of both build upon each other to clear and balance the vital life force known as Qi.