What is Shiatsu?

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A Shiatsu Session
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A shiatsu session begins with a discussion about you. All information the receiver provides is treated within the strictest of confidence. The receiver remains fully clothed throughout the session lying on the floor on a futon. The room is maintained at a comfortable temperature and soft background music and aromatherapy are used to bring the receiver to a relaxed state of mind and body.

The session starts in the abdominal area which is referred to as the "hara". The "listening" to the hara is itself treatment and informs the shiatsu therapist where there is a ki deficiency (kyo) and where there is a ki excess or stagnation (jitsu). The shiatsu therapist may combine other methods of diagnosis to confirm and strengthen the information from the hara such as the sound of the receivers voice, smell, color of skin, posture, walk and quality of energy.

A shiatsu session is 45-60 minutes. Often a deficient (kyo) area needs to be held for two or three minutes before energy starts to fill it. It may appear that nothing is happening but on a subtle level changes are taking place. Sometimes it is possible to feel such changes immediately and other times it is not until later that more energy is felt.

A shiatsu session can trigger emotional discomfort and there may be feelings of sadness, anger or fear. The receiver may feel chilled due to letting go of tensions held in the muscles. When responded to compassionately the feelings subside and result in a sense of well being, freedom and peace.

Healing is a continuous movement toward harmony, balance and wholeness. One session is not as beneficial as five spaced out over a period of five to seven weeks. If energy is very deficient a number of sessions are desirable.

 

Before and After a Shiatsu Session

• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow your body time to relax before the session.

• Wear loose comfortable clothing of natural fiber (100% cotton)
• Do not eat a large meal within 2 hours of your appointment.

• Refrain from drinking alcohol before and after the appointment.

• Drink plenty of water to flush away impurities released into the body during the session.

• Avoid strenuous physical exercise or saunas after your session.

• If you cannot make your appointment you must phone at least 24 hours.

Shiatsu will not help certain conditions such as acute fever, flu, inflammation or external injury such as an open wound or fracture.

At the end of a session the receiver will feel relaxed and energized with a sense of calm. There is a noticeable increase in flexibility and a decrease in muscular aches and pains. In order for the healing to continue the shiatsu therapist may give advice on changes in diet, environment or work habits and may assign self care exercises such as meridian stretches. On leaving the treatment room the receiver should keep warm and if possible, rest for a short time.

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