Shiatsu - the art of healing through touch
Shiatsu is a form of bodywork originating in Japan. It is both a form of physical therapy and a means of greater integration of body, mind and spirit - a truly holistic therapy.
A session lasts one hour and is given with the person fully clothed. It takes place in a calm and comfortable room, on a futon on the floor. Following an initial assessment of your health condition, treatment aims will be agreed, so that each session is unique and tailored to individual needs.
The principles of Shiatsu are rooted in the traditions of oriental medicine using similar energy channels and points as in acupuncture, involving non-invasive and intuitive touch combined with highly skilled stretching and mobilisation techniques. Generally, the practitioner works on the whole body to help energy flow freely through the whole system, to stimulate the body's own innate ability to rebalance and heal itself. During the treatment this is usually experienced as a sense of deep relaxation.
At the end of the session will be a short period of rest, in order for the work of the session to be fully assimilated. You may be given a recommendation or shown an exercise to continue at home, supporting the process to restore and maintain health.
You can find out more about Shiatsu from the Shiatsu Society (www.shiatsusociety.org)