FAQs

How can Shiatsu benefit you?

Shiatsu can be beneficial in supporting and bringing relief to various ailments and conditions. While it’s important to note that Shiatsu is not a substitute for medical treatment, it can be used as a complementary therapy to promote overall well-being and support the body’s natural healing processes. Some specific ailments and conditions that Shiatsu may be helpful for include:

  1. Stress and Anxiety: Shiatsu is known for its ability to induce deep relaxation and reduce stress levels. It can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, promote emotional balance, and support overall mental well-being.
  2. Musculoskeletal Issues: Shiatsu can provide relief for musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain, neck and shoulder tension, joint stiffness, and muscle imbalances. It helps release tension, improve circulation, and promote flexibility and range of motion.
  3. Headaches and Migraines: Shiatsu can help alleviate tension headaches and migraines by targeting pressure points and releasing tension in the head, neck, and shoulders.
  4. Digestive Disorders: Shiatsu can support digestive health by promoting relaxation, stimulating the digestive organs, and improving the flow of energy in the digestive system. It may help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  5. Sleep Disorders: Shiatsu’s calming and balancing effects on the nervous system can help improve sleep quality and support individuals dealing with insomnia or sleep disturbances.
  6. Fatigue and Low Energy: Shiatsu can help address fatigue and low energy levels by stimulating and harmonizing the body’s energy pathways, promoting better circulation, and supporting overall vitality.
  7. Respiratory Issues: Shiatsu techniques can help improve respiratory function, alleviate congestion, and support the overall health of the respiratory system. It may be beneficial for conditions like asthma, allergies, sinusitis, and bronchitis.

Sessions will be of course individually tailored to your personal needs.

What happens during a Shiatsu treatment?

You will lie comfortably on a padded mat on the floor in a safe, comfortable environment, which promotes relaxation. You will remain fully clothed in loose and comfortable clothing and no oils will be used.

To promote and support the free flow of vital energy and to release tensions I will use my hands, thumbs, fingers, elbows, or even knees and feet to apply gentle pressure along the body’s meridians or energy pathways and also to specific acupressure points. This pressure is typically rhythmic, gradual, and sustained, allowing the recipient’s body to respond and adjust to the pressure.

I might also incorporate various techniques such as stretching, joint mobilization, and gentle rocking motions to further promote relaxation and release tension in the body.

The goal of a shiatsu treatment is to promote the flow of Qi or vital energy in the body, as well as restore balance. It aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, relieve tension, and promote relaxation. The pressure applied during the treatment helps to release energy blockages, stimulate circulation, and support the body in returning to a state of equilibrium.

During the session, recipients often experience a deep sense of relaxation, as well as sensations of warmth, tingling, or energy movement in different parts of the body.

After the session, it is recommended to take some time to rest and integrate the experience, as well as drink plenty of water to support the body’s detoxification process.

How does Shiatsu release tension and stress?

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork that involves the application of gentle pressure to specific acupressure points and along the meridians of the body. This pressure can help to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, including the release of tension and stress.

When you experience stress, your body’s sympathetic nervous system is activated, triggering the “fight or flight” response. This can lead to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, and increased heart rate. Shiatsu bodywork can help to counteract these symptoms by activating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and a sense of calm.

In addition to its physiological effects, shiatsu bodywork can also help to promote mental and emotional well-being. The nurturing touch can provide a sense of comfort and support, which can be especially beneficial for people who are experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety.

Overall, shiatsu bodywork can be an effective way to manage stress, both physically and emotionally. It can help to reduce tension, promote relaxation, and provide a sense of emotional support and well-being.

What are Meridians?

Meridians are considered to be the pathways through which vital energy, known as Qi or Ki, flows through the body. There are twelve main meridians in the body, each associated with specific organs and functions. These meridians are thought to be connected to the body’s nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems, and are believed to be linked to various physical, emotional, and spiritual functions. Each Meridian is an expression of a fundamental life movement.

During a session I apply a gentle pressure along the meridians and to specific points , known as acupressure points, in order to stimulate the flow of energy and promote healing and balance in the body I will use in addition other techniques, such as stretching and joint mobilization, to help release tension and restore balance to the meridian system.

The understanding in Shiatsu is that imbalances or blockages in the meridian system can lead to a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. By addressing these imbalances through Shiatsu bodywork, it pain can be alleviated, stress and anxiety be reduced, circulation and immune function improved, and overall health and well-being promoted.

It is important to note that while the concept of meridians and energy flow may be different from traditional Western medicine, Shiatsu has been shown to be effective in treating a range of conditions and is recognized as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. Shiatsu practitioners work within their scope of practice and often collaborate with other healthcare providers to support the well-being of their clients.

Qi, Ki, Prana, Breath, Atem what connects them?

Qi, Ki, Prana, Breath and Atem are all terms used in different traditional healing systems to describe vital energy or life force that flows through the body.

In Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that flows through the meridians, or energy pathways, of the body. It is considered the foundation of health and vitality and is believed to be influenced by various factors such as diet, exercise, emotions, and the environment.

In Japanese healing traditions, Ki (or “chi”) is a similar concept to Qi, and is also believed to flow through the body’s energy pathways, known as meridians or channels. Shiatsu, a Japanese bodywork therapy, works with the flow of Ki in the body to help promote balance and wellbeing.

In Ayurveda, an ancient healing system from India, Prana is the vital energy or life force that animates all living things. It is believed to be present in the breath and in the food we eat, and can be affected by factors such as emotions, lifestyle, and the environment.

Atem, or “breath,” is a central concept in many spiritual and healing traditions, including breath-work, yoga, meditation, Qi Gong etc. It is considered to be the foundation of life and is believed to be closely linked to our mental, emotional, and physical states.

While these terms are used in different cultural and healing contexts, they all refer to the fundamental life force that flows through the body and is essential for health and vitality. They are all believed to be influenced by various factors such as diet, exercise, emotions, and the environment, and can be worked with through practices such as breath-work, meditation, and energy healing therapies.