Because Shiatsu works with the body’s own energy, there are few circumstances when it is contradicated. However I cannot stress enough that in the case of serious illness you must advise your GP and check with him or her if Shiatsu is compatible with the treatment you are already having.
Anyone. For best results and maximum relaxation it is preferable for the client to lie on a futon on the floor. Age is no bar either. I have treated babies of two months and people in their seventies.
• Shiatsu in a sitting position is also possible for those who find lying down difficult.
• Pregnant clients are usually treated lying on their side. I do have a special pregnancy cushion which enables lying down in a prone position. This has been much appreciated and enjoyed by mums since they find it impossible otherwise!
Avoid eating in the hour before the treatment. Heavy meals are best avoided both before or after, as is alcohol.
You remain fully clothed through the treatment. For maximum comfort you should opt for loose, preferably cotton, trousers and a long sleeved tee-shirt. Ensure that is is warm as your metabolic rate will slow down which can lead to feeling cold.
The first treatment will take an hour and a half to allow for a discussion of your case. Allow an hour for subsequent sessions.
Before the treatment you will be asked some general health questions. If you are a first time client then I will ask you to fill in a health questionaire as well as asking you some general questions that can help pinpoint any weak points or conditions from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) point of view. The session itself takes place at floor level on a comfortable futon. For the next 50 minutes all you have to do is relax. The Shiatsu practitioner makes a diagnosis as a result of the brief chat at the start of the session, observation, and palpation of the area located beneath the ribs and above the hips. Two meridians are chosen, one “empty” (kyo), the other “full” (jitsu) that also resonate together.
 These are treated using gentle thumb, finger, elbow or even knee pressure. Sometimes where the flow may seem static or very weak, deep thumb pressure is applied; other areas where there is build up of ki, shaking or rubbing is used. The practitioner will gently manipulate and ease joints before moving onto treating specific meridians and acupoints. To access these you may be treated lying in side position, on your back, front, or a combination of the three. Joints are also gently pulled and stretched to release stuck ki.
Throughout the treatment the therapist is “listening” to the movement of energy, sensing it through her fingers and the responses within her own body. The practitioner is there to facilitate change and movement at the emotional, mental and spiritual as well as physical level. At the end some special exercises, breathing exercises or dietary advice may be given to support the treatment.
Don’t rush - take things easy. Let the body stay relaxed for as long as possible so that you derive maximum benefit from the Shiatsu. Since the treatment also frees up toxins and releases them into the system, it is recommended that you drink several glasses of plain water after the session to flush these out.
A session is aimed at relaxing the body so that its natural healing energy is allowed to work unhindered. Two meridian pathways are worked on and some additional acupuncture points are pressed in order to re-balance the whole body/mind system. This usually creates a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Very occasionally you might feel uncomfortable after your Shiatsu. This is part of the healing process and should clear within 24 hours. If you do have any concerns do not hesitate to ring me on the number listed above.
Observe how differently you feel. It may be slight, the sensation may be physical (reduction in pain, relaxed) , emotional (calmer, more confident), mental (less confused, more aware), or spiritual (happy, open, trusting). Whatever it is just observe and take it in consciously. It is important to be aware of such changes and assimilate them into body and your everyday awareness. This is all part of looking after yourself.
Regular sessions help to re-educate the body. Clients move from an unconscious holding of stress in certain areas to a relaxed awareness of the body and a feeling of reconnecting with themselves. This sense of re-integration is the source of real health and well being.
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