SHIATSU           

Shiatsu, meaning 'finger pressure', is a traditional Japanese healing art springing from the same ancient oriental principle as Acupuncture.   Shiatsu is now recognised as an effective remedial therapy which takes its place alongside Western conventional medicine and over the last twenty years is has become established in many parts of the world through the influence of a few dedicated teachers.  In lives that have become more complex and busy, with modern stresses such as pollution, noise and overwork, the contrasting simplicity of Shiatsu massage provides a welcome relief.

The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known as 'Ki' or 'Chi') flows throughout the body in a series of channels known as meridians.   Each of the channels correspond to one of the major internal organs (twelve altogether) and contribute uniquely to the harmony of the whole organism.  Because an imbalance of Ki in the body often precedes the overt symptoms of disease, all aspects of Oriental medicine have a preventative role.    

When the Ki stops flowing freely an imbalance in the body occurs and symptoms are produced.    In illness, when the energy is disturbed, it will sometimes manifest as pain, swelling, irritation, redness, etc.  The most common syndromes which may be amenable to treatment by Shiatsu include HEADACHES, RESPIRATORY ILLNESS including ASTHMA and BRONCHITIS, SINUS TROUBLE, CATARRH, INSOMNIA, TENSION, ANXIETY and DEPRESSION, FATIGUE and WEAKNESS, DIGESTIVE DISORDERS, PAINFUL MENSTRUATION, CIRCULATION PROBLEMS, ARTHRITIC COMPLAINTS, BACK TROUBLE and SCIATICA, SKIN PROBLEMS.   

   Shiatsu is complementary to orthodox medicine and other natural therapies.  It can be described as 'Acupuncture without needles'.   A Shiatsu Practitioner uses fingers, thumbs, palms and even knees to apply gentle pressure and stretching to the energy channels.  Physically this stimulates the circulation, works on the nervous system and helps to release toxins and tension from the muscles.  On a more subtle level, Shiatsu allows a person to relax deeply and to get in touch with the body's own healing abilities.   It works on all levels - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual and a treatment usually leaves a feeling of calmness and well-being, of being more in touch with one's body and Self.

For further details and information on courses and individual tuition e.mail: christine.edney12@therapist-uk.net or contact The Shiatsu Society, telephone 01788 555051  www.shiatsu.org