Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can alleviate a wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. Shiatsu can be a deeply relaxing experience, and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build-up of stress in our daily lives.

The Japanese character for human; each stem is clearly supporting the other.

Mutual support is achieved by leaning and relaxing - an essential part of Shiatsu.

The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese) flows through the body in a series of channels called meridians. We become prone to disease when Ki stops flowing freely and this can then produce imbalances in the body.

Your Shiatsu practitioner will consider your state of health, the symptoms you are experiencing and, depending on your constitution, will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy levels. This may include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and stretches.

As the quality of Ki changes, the symptoms associated with the lack of energy flow will gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual in a holistic way - not just the physical body, but also on an emotional and spiritual level.

Conditions commonly helped by Shiatsu include:

·         Back pain, whiplash injuries and neck stiffness

·         Headaches and migraine

·         Sports injuries, joint pain and reduced mobility

·         Menstrual problems

·         Digestive problems

·         Asthmatic symptoms

·         Depression

For more information and guidance on Shiatsu please contact cancer care trust.