What is shiatsu and what can it do for you?
Shiatsu is Japanese for finger pressure. Shiatsu is a natural healing discipline springing from the same oriental principle as acupuncture. The roots of both systems are ancient going back many thousands of years. By the use of pressure from the fingers a shiatsu practitioner helps to create a change in your energy channels or meridians. The body's vital energy (or Ki in Japanese) has to flow in order for there to be good health.
If you were to come for a shiatsu what would that entail? Firstly a medical questionnaire would be filled out. The session usually takes place on a padded surface at floor level. You are fully clothed and it is advisable to wear quite warm clothes that allow plenty of movement such as a tracksuit. This will help because when you are lying still for an hour the body tends to cool down and you cannot be relaxed if you are feeling cold. It is best not to have a heavy meal or drink alcohol for a couple of hours either side of your treatment.
What might you feel afterwards? You would probably feel invigorated yet relaxed. Sometimes the first benefits to occur do not improve the main complaint, but rather overall health. The duration and frequency of treatments will vary from person to person as will the total number of sessions. Whilst there is usually a feeling of well being after a treatment on occasions there can be a healing reaction as toxins are released. They usually only last for about 24 hours or so. Do not hesitate to contact your shiatsu practitioner for some reassurance. Mark is a qualified Shiatsu practitioner (MRSS) with the Shiatsu Society (UK). To arrange an appointment do email me. The Shiatsu Society holds a list of qualified practitioners and teachers for the whole of the UK on a county by county basis. Go to www.shiatsu.org or email admin@shiatsu.org
