About Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a Japanese Bodywork therapy founded on Traditional Chinese Medicine, the same system used in acupuncture, but without the needles. Conditions commonly helped by Shiatsu include:

Back Pain	Headaches	Migraines
Whiplash	Neck Stiffness	Joint Pain
Reduced Mobility	Menstrual Problems	Digestive Problems
Stress	Tiredness	Depression
Sports Injuries	Asthma	Skin Complaints

In a typical treatment, the practitioner will employ a variety of techniques, including rocking, stretching, manipulations, applying pressure to parts of the body and stimulating acupressure points using their thumbs, fingers or elbows.

In the first session, a full case history is taken, and in each subsequent session, an update is taken, which forms the basis for each treatment, As the treatment is hands-on, unlike acupuncture, the treatment is also diagnosis as the practitioner receives constant feedback, and the treatment evolves to meet the clients needs in each moment. At the end of the treatment, the practitioner may give recommendations, which may include simple, exercises, dietry advice or other lifestyle options.

Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the chi (as in Tai Chi) of the body, as it flows through the organs and meridians (energetic pathways) of the body. This flow can be upset by, for example, the climate, accidents, emotions and unhealthy lifestyles, which can lead to blockages, or a deficiency of chi. These can then manifest in symptoms such as pain, tiredness, nausea, headaches or dizziness, which if left unchecked can result in serious illness or ailments.