Get the massage with Shiatsu
01/09/2006
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage-type therapy. It feels fantastic and may help many physical or emotional health problems. Prevention is better than cure, and regular Shiatsu helps keep the body in balance and can prevent ill-health and deterioration occurring.
Everybody is treated as an individual, and Shiatsu doesn’t work for everyone. Some conditions it has helped include aches and pains (from migraines to backpain or arthritis), high blood pressure, oedema, insomnia and depression.
It can successfully alleviate unpleasant menopausal symptoms and support women through a difficult time. Some practitioners have helped alleviate the effects of Alzheimer’s, and for carers, Shiatsu provides physical and emotional support and some care for themselves.
Like acupuncture, Shiatsu is based on Traditional Chinese Medical theory and is a very powerful therapy. Shiatsu doesn’t use needles — a practitioner uses mainly thumbs and palms to apply pressure to acupoints and energy channels in the body.
Joint mobilisation techniques and stretches are also used where appropriate. Shiatsu aims to rebalance the body’s energy system and so allow it to heal itself. Also, receiving safe supportive touch can in itself be a great healer — and is something many people miss.
Shiatsu treatments are fully-clothed and can be incredibly gentle or very physically deep and vigorous, depending on the client’s needs. Though usually done on a padded mat on the floor, a couch or chair can be used if more appropriate. For frail or immobile clients, treatments are adapted to the situation.
To find your local registered practitioner contact The Shiatsu Society, 0845 130 4560, email admin@shiatsusociety.org, or see The Shiatsu Society's Website.