What happens in a Shiatsu session?

There will be time at the beginning of the session for us to discuss your health and medical history.  The first session is usually slightly longer as there is more to cover.  The session is strictly confidential.  

After the consultation, you lie down on a mat on the floor to be treated for about 45/50 minutes and will include a short period at the end to allow for the affects to settle and for a brief discussion about the treatment if required. 

What does it feel like?

You will be fully clothed in loose clothing so the touch will feel more like light pressure and can be soothing and comforting. Sometimes the pressure needs to go deeper which can be slightly uncomfortable, but this doesn't last.  You may be moved into different positions throughout the treatment, and depending on the techniques used, you may have to participate more actively in your own treatment.  If not for all of the treatment, then certainly for most of it you will enter the parasympathetic state of your autonomic nervous system, which can be described as a meditative state.  Treatments are very relaxing.

What conditions is Shiatsu good for?

Musculoskeletal:

  • Back aches, pains and tensions, including shoulders, lower back and neck

  • Sciatic and other trapped nerve pains

  • Curvatures of the spine

  • Joint pain, (shoulders, wrists, hips, knees, ankles etc)

  • Restricted movement

  • Past injury, accidents or operations (no matter how long ago)

  • Tension

  • Headaches or migraine

  • Frozen shoulder

Digestive:

  • Bloating

  • Reflux / indigestion

  • Intestinal pain

  • Nausea

  • Feelings of sleepiness after eating

Hormonal:

  • Pregnancy

  • Post childbirth

  • Menstrual problems

  • Monthly irritability

  • Menopause

Stress related problems:

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Insomnia

  • Irritability

  • Inability to relax

  • Trauma (physical or emotional)

  • Grief

  • Overwhelm

Breathing issues:

  • Asthma

  • Allergies

  • Depth of breath

Children:

Shiatsu is an incredible tool for children because they do not need to verbalise something they do not understand.  Children respond quickly and effectively to Shiatsu treatment.  A parent or guardian, (with parental permission) must be present during the whole treatment.

Are there any times when Shiatsu should be avoided?


Shiatsu is a very gentle and safe therapy, but it should be avoided if you:
have an infectious illness
suffering from an acute, feverish illness
have internal bleeding or blood clots
have had a major operation in the last three months. 


How many sessions will be needed?


Each individual is unique and so this would be discussed with you after the first treatment.

What should I wear?


The client remains fully clothed throughout the treatment so loose natural fibre clothing and socks are required.  I would advise that you bring long sleeved clothing and leggings / tracksuit that come to the ankle. Please take into consideration that your temperature usually drops during treatment as you enter the parasympathetic system.

Should I eat beforehand?


Please refrain from eating in the hour before treatment.  And please do not drink alcohol before treatment.  

How will I feel after a treatment?

Shiatsu will not interfere with other therapies or any medication.  In terms of other therapies, please remember that Shiatsu continues to work for up to five days after treatment so leave enough time between treatments.  

Shiatsu will often compliment medical treatment by supporting the body physically and emotionally.  Shiatsu offers an overall strengthening effect and improves the circulation, and the efficacy of the lymphatic system so can reduce stress in the body.  It is still advisable to inform, or consult, with your doctor prior to having shiatsu.

Can I have a Shiatsu session if I am having other treatments, or on medication?


Shiatsu will not interfere with other therapies or any medication.  In terms of other therapies, please remember that Shiatsu continues to work for up to five days after treatment so leave enough time between treatments.  

Shiatsu will often compliment medical treatment by supporting the body physically, and emotionally.  Shiatsu offers an overall strengthening effect and improves the circulation of  and the efficacy of the lymphatic system so can reduce stress in the body.  It is still advisable to inform, or consult, with your doctor prior to having shiatsu.