Literally translated Shi—means finger and
atsu—means pressure. Shiatsu is a natural healing discipline
from the same Oriental principles as Acupuncture.
Shiatsu stimulates the body’s
natural healing processes to promote good health. Treatment is
deeply relaxing and has an
overall calming effect. It is primarily a preventative ‘medicine’ which
helps maintain Health, Vitality and Stamina. Shiatsu strengthens
the vital organs and prevents energy from getting blocked in the
body.
An imbalance in a person’s vital energy flow (known as ki
in Japanese) may manifest in many ways, including s headache, back
problems, insomnia or even mental depression.
In
a Shiatsu treatment
the practitioner applies pressure with hands, thumbs and sometimes
knees and feet, along energy channels
known as meridians.
By
working along meridians, the practitioner enables energy to move
to the places in need and disperses it
from where it is congested
- restoring balance to the whole body.
These
meridians have been described as “channels of living
magnetic energy”. They pass through the body and connect
the vital organs. Although named after the vital organs the
functions of the meridians are much wider and encompass the
whole being
at physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual levels.
Stretching techniques are used to ease joint
stiffness and pain and to re-align the structure of the body
and stimulate the body’s
vital energy (ki).
Shiatsu is given with the client fully clothed, preferably wearing
loose comfortable clothes of natural fibre to allow for movement.
The client is asked to lie on a futon (soft mat) on the floor,
although physical `disabilities will be taken into account.
Pregnancy is also a good time to receive Shiatsu. It can be used
as pain relief during delivery. I have used it for both home and
hospital births
Shiatsu allows the client, little by little, to take full responsibility
for their own state of health.
Rose teaches Shiatsu in week-end workshops.
