Shiatsu

Shiatsu, translating from Japanese as 'finger pressure,' is a form of bodywork rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Theory. Unlike traditional massages, Shiatsu is administered over clothing and is often likened to 'Acupuncture without needles.' It is adaptable, with treatments tailored to individual needs, ranging from gentle and supportive to more dynamic and invigorating.

Practitioners employ various touch techniques, including thumb, palm, elbow, and knee pressure, gentle stretches, rotations, and holding acupressure points, as appropriate.

In Eastern philosophy, the body's vital life force, known as 'Ki' in Japanese or 'Chi' in Chinese, flows through 12 main pathways called Meridians. Similar to an interconnected network of motorways, these can become blocked, leading to discomfort, pain, and a sense of unwellness. Shiatsu's goal is to restore balance by encouraging the smooth flow of Ki, supporting the body's healing ability.

In TCM theory, the mind and body are inseparable: it's recognized that what happens in the mind affects the body and vice versa. Each major organ is associated with an emotion—like the Lung with grief, Stomach with overthinking or worry, Heart with joy or its absence, Kidney with fear, and Liver with anger or frustration.

My particular focus is on clients with emotional symptoms, or physical symptoms rooted in emotions. For instance, stomach issues linked to worry, or back pain due to stress and overworking rather than a purely physical cause, like strain from lifting a heavy object.

Clients report a feeling of relaxation, improved sleep, a greater sense of wellbeing and an easing of symptoms.

Traditionally carried out on a futon mattress on the floor, I currently prefer to work on a massage couch.

Shiatsu sessions last for around 90 minutes (of which 60 minutes is hands-on work) and cost £50.