Shiatsu is a holistic treatment that combines energy and bodywork, using a Traditional Chinese Medicine framework that focuses on balancing the Qi (energy) through the 5 Elements in the body. A shiatsu treatment is a deeply relaxing experience that uses deep yet comfortable pressure, meridian stretches, gentle joint mobilisation and compassionate touch. The practitioner ‘listens’ with touch to the changes in the body and energy throughout the treatment, creating a deeply relaxing atmosphere.
Shiatsu is a powerful tool for transforming patterns of stress or blockage in the body, as well as cultivating energy in areas that tend towards weakness or tiredness. It is commonly used to address health concerns such as digestive issues, headaches, anxiety, depression or mood disorders – both as a preventative treatment for maintaining good health and vitality, and also to provide relief from these issues in challenging moments.
Shiatsu treatments usually last around 1 hour, with 50 minutes of hands on treatment. An acupressure massage technique is used, which has a deep yet comfortable quality, with the practitioners using their relaxed body weight to contact the acupuncture channels and acu-points in the body with their palms, thumbs and elbows. Shiatsu practitioners are trained in listening for changes in the Qi energy in the body, and use this skill to find areas of imbalance, and use various energy and bodywork techniques to promote energy flow and balance in these areas.
Treatments take place fully clothed, on a soft padded mat on the floor. Treatments can also be adapted to suit mobility needs, and as such can be performed seated. After a treatment, it is advised to be kind to yourself, taking any time you need to rest, drink water and allow yourself to process the treatment. Emotions may be moved and released during or after a treatment, this is all a natural part of the healing process.
Our practitioner Jenny Partridge is registered with the Shiatsu Society UK and offers shiatsu treatments at the clinic.