What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu can be used to treat a wide range of ailments including the following: -
Sports injuries, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, groin strain, whiplash,
sciatica, lumbar pain, leg cramps, etc. Headaches, migraine, neck/shoulder pain,
anxiety, insomnia, tension, stress, fibromyalgia.
Findings from the European Shiatsu Federation research study carried out by
Professor Andrew Long at the University of Leeds.
The Experience and Effects of Shiatsu: A Cross-European Study.
- 89% of Shiatsu receivers felt calmer and more relaxed.
- Up to 60%
of regular shiatsu receivers slept better.
- Receivers rated their
symptoms as significantly reduced throughout the 6 month study.
- 86% said
that shiatsu was effective in treating stress and tension, structural and
postural problems, low energy and fatigue.
- Overall, Shiatsu receivers adopted a
more relaxed, healthier and balanced approach to life.
-
Reduced use of conventional medicine.
In Western medicine you can use the analogy of the doctor as a repairman….Wait until
the body/mind system is faulty, then repair it. In the Orient however, the analogy
could be that of a gardener who constantly tends his plot, thereby ensuring healthy
growth. Shiatsu covers both of these aspects - healing and promoting health. Shiatsu
(pronounced shee-at-soo) is a Japanese word meaning finger pressure and is the name
coined in the first half of the 20th century to describe this form of healing. It
has been recognised as a healing system by the Japanese Government for over 50 years
and has recently been recognised by the European Parliament and included in the
European Register of Non-Conventional Medical Disciplines. Shiatsu is based on Chinese
acupuncture and the Japanese system of Anma (massage) and is occasionally referred
to in the rather inexact term Acupressure. The practitioner may use fingers, thumbs,
elbows and knees to apply pressure as well as incorporating gentle stretches and
manipulations. Physically this has the effect of stimulating the circulation and
the flow of lymphatic fluid, it works on both divisions of the autonomic nervous
system, helps to release toxins and deep seated tension in the muscles, and can
stimulate the hormonal system. On a more subtle level it allows the receiver to
relax deeply and get in touch with their body's own healing abilities. Treatment
usually leaves a feeling of well-being and calmness, of being more in touch with
one's body and self. get in touch with their body's own healing abilities. Treatment
usually leaves a feeling of well-being and calmness, of being more in touch with
one's body and self.>
Guidelines for patients: -
- It is best not to drink alcohol on the day of the treatment
- Have a light meal at least one hour before your treatment
- Do not take a long hot bath on the day of the treatment
- For treatment wear loose clothing, preferably cotton, such as a tracksuit or a jogging
suit
- You will usually remain fully clothed during Shiatsu treatment, which takes place
on a padded surface at floor level.
Response to treatment After Shiatsu you will probably feel invigorated yet relaxed.
Sometimes the first benefits to occur do not improve the main complaint, but rather
overall health. For example, the body's eliminative functions may have to be improved
before specific pain can be relieved. The duration and the frequency of treatment
will vary from person to person, as will the total number of treatments. Most people
have two opposing tendencies: one, the wish to regain health and freedom: the other,
to remain attached to old behaviour patterns which reinforce the sickness. While
patients generally experience increased well-being, there may be temporary healing
reactions as toxins and negative emotions are released; these may take the form
of a headache or 'flu like symptoms for 24 hours, in such cases contact your therapist
so that they can reassure you. Shiatsu affects all levels of our being, the physical,
emotional, psychological, and spiritual; treatment is attuned to the individual's
character. The practitioner may give advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle, encouraging
self-understanding and greater independence on health matters. This in turn leads
to improved self-confidence and lasting peace of mind for the patient.
See: -
Pro-Holistic provides Shiatsu,
Healing Chi Kung therapy, on-site massage, Stress Mangement courses, and Stress Mangement workshops. We also provide tuition in Chi Kung,
Tai Chi, Neijia,
and self defence.