Shiatsu

Translated from Japanese, the word Shiatsu (she-’at-soo) means finger pressure. The Zen shiatsu we offer is like a massage version of acupuncture, without the needles. The oils and stroking movements of massage are replaced by gentle stretching and deep pressure covering both broad areas and specific points along defined lines or meridians. These movements promote free flow of Chi or energy. Our skilled therapists work with the body’s signals and adjusts a treatment accordingly. The treatment leaves one feeling profoundly relaxed, in “balance” and with less tightness and pain. We recommend you wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing and you will be lying on a futon on the floor (although a massage table is always an option).

To find out more about Shiatsu, visit the Shiatsu Therapy Association of B.C. Here

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Where does Shiatsu come from?

It’s based on more than 3500 years of Asian medicine and knowledge. The Chinese type massage made its way to Japan and was developed there along with western medicine in this last century. Now it is practiced throughout the world. It focuses on the body’s physical, emotional and energy systems. The concept of balance derives from traditional oriental healing principles. The treatment attempts to balance opposing yin and yang qualities such as hot/cold and excess/deficient. While shiatsu embraces the oriental notion of mind+body as one, it also takes into account the more Western principles of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Simply stated, it’s a complementary blending of Eastern and Western approaches. Here is a link to the Shiatsu Therapy Association of B.C. to find out more.

What does the technique involve?

The nice thing about shiatsu is that both the therapist and the receiver are in a relaxed state. I simply align my body to apply perpendicular pressure, using my own body weight. I can work with you on a massage table, but this is not as effective or as comfortable for my body. I am penetrating but not really pressing. It is a two way connection: as you feel the gentle pressure, you relax and support my weight.As I am going through the layers and feeling how you respond, I adjust my pressure accordingly. This is something that massaging chairs can’t do. I begin with broader palms and then work up to using more focused thumb pressure following the meridians and correcting imbalances. Sometimes I use my knees, elbows or even my feet to apply pressure.

Is it covered by insurance?

Sessions are conducted as counseling sessions would be and begin with a relaxing and grounding exercise. Whatever is most disturbing is addressed first. You are led by your practitioner with you following and adding or changing as necessary. This two-way process continues until the intensity is low or a new aspect comes up with higher intensity. Each session ends with you in a calm and stable state. We give you guidelines to use to reinforce the progress made and to keep benefitting more and more by transforming your life in a positive direction with EFT.

This self-development and transformation program is specifically designed to build confidence and create beautiful relationships –attracting, dating, developing, even finishing and preparing for the next if required. The number of sessions varies depending on goals. Sessions are individualized but also offered as a 4 week group series (3 hours per week) Couples sessions can be included after initial individual sessions.

Does it hurt?

You will feel an awareness of your tightness and soreness as I work, but in the process you will feel releasing and easing of the pressure. It should always be a pleasant sensation and never continue in a way that makes you flinch or feel very uncomfortable in any way.

What health problems can it help with?

First it can help prevent problems. Regular shiatsu can keep you in balance so you don’t break down, injure yourself or get sick. However, many people who have developed conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, stress or exercise related muscle tension, headaches, emotional problems and respiratory or digestive problems experience significant benefits from shiatsu treatments.

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