Shiatsu Massage

Healing Energy:
The aim of shiatsu is to balance the body’s “Ki” energy levels. The rocking, kneading and stretching techniques are most effective in unblocking the congested areas. If your partner has a low energy level, and is generally fatigued, then slow, deep, static and perpendicular pressure will be more effective in strengthening the energy flow. Holding certain points from one to ten seconds is a general guideline but use our intuition as to how you hold.

Practical Points:
A shiatsu session normally lasts up to an hour. It is advisable to wear loose clothing so that your movements aren’t hampered. The receiver is also clothed, but avoid bulky or constricting clothes that would impede contact with the body. Generally, the therapist works on the whole of the body and having discovered your problems may suggest simple practical exercises for home use to help the process of recovery. The effects of shiatsu may be felt immediately or later on in the same day, but if painful reactions are later experienced then your practitioner should be contacted. There are no two people with similar mental and physical complaints and the number of sessions will depend upon the individual’s needs. Shiatsu helps to keep open the communication between body, mind, emotion and spirit.

Shiatsu Meridians:
Shiatsu is a manipulative therapy which uses static pressure applied to specific points and lines all over the body. The lines along which many of the points are situated are known as meridians. These meridian lines, which have been described as “channels of living magnetic energy”, flow throughout the body and connect the main vital organs. It is this vital energy, known as “Ki”, which keeps our bodies active, and the quality of our Ki depends upon our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual conditions. An imbalance in a person’s vital energy levels may manifest itself as a back problem, headache, or in many other ways. By working along the meridians, the therapist summons energy to the place most vulnerable and disperses the trapped energy from the areas where it is congested, thus restoring balance to the whole body.

The Main Technique:
Palming: Palming is the simplest and most widely used technique in shiatsu. Palm pressure is gentle but firm, creating a supporting and soothing effect on any tense or vulnerable areas of the body. Allow your hands to be relaxed so that your fingers can follow the contours of whatever part of the body you contact, then lean your body-weight through your palm, holding and waiting for the connection between your two palms. Lean back and without breaking contact, slide your hand along the body and lean forward again, creating stationary and perpendicular pressure.
Thumbing: Thumb pressure is far more precise and penetrating than palming, and is used for working the points along the meridians. Place your thumb pads on the points. Use your extended fingers for support, so that the thumb remains straight. Lean your body forward so that most of the pressure is transferred through the thumbs. Make sure your nails are quite short to practice this technique or you may hurt your partner.