Shiatsu is a Japanese word that means ‘finger pressure’

Thumbs, fingers, palms and elbows are used to apply pressure at specific points, restoring balance, relieving stiffness and pain, increasing flexibility in your body, maintain your health and treat certain conditions.

It can be thought of as Acupuncture without needles, or a form of Oriental Physiotherapy, as it is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and shares a theoretical background with Acupuncture.

What is it good for?

Preventative treatment; it can be relaxing and invigorating and increase your health awareness

Working with your whole body, Shiatsu looks further than your symptoms, to treat the underlying cause of your condition

Muscular and joint problems, such as lower back pain or sports injuries

Stress related conditions, such as headaches, fatigue, digestive disorders

You may feel relaxed and your tension will be eased, but your treatment is working at much deeper (meridian) levels. It prevents future problems by strengthening your body’s own healing abilities. Shiatsu releases blockages responsible for physical, emotional or psychological imbalances.

What happens in a consultation?

Your treatment will normally take place at floor level upon a Shiatsu mat or futon. As you remain fully clothed throughout the treatment, loose comfortable clothes and socks are ideal. Sessions last for one hour.

Each treatment is unique to the individual. Symptoms are an indication of energetic imbalances in the mind/body system. The assessment of underlying causes will be via Visual, Hara, Tongue, Back, or Structural diagnoses at the start of treatment. Your treatment can involve specific joint, muscle or structural release techniques. Specific stretches or techniques can be recommended to you relieve or manage your condition.

Feel free to experience Shiatsu as a ‘one off’ treatment to be relaxed or energised. Symptomatic relief can be gained in one session, but to treat the underlying cause of your condition will take longer (around 4 treatments). Once every six weeks can be useful in maintaining your condition.

Preparation and Requirements

It is better to eat lightly in the two hours preceding your treatment. No alcohol should be consumed prior to treatment. Please wear loose, comfortable clothes and socks along to your Shiatsu session.