Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art. It has its roots in ancient Oriental medicine and has evolved from Traditional Chinese Medicine and Anma, a traditional Japanese form of massage. The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (Qi in Chinese, Ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons, Ki can stop flowing freely and this then produces a symptom. Shiatsu can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health.

Shiatsu uses touch to affect the flow of Ki in the meridians. A Shiatsu practitioner will consider your state of health, the symptoms you are experiencing and depending on your constitution and general energy levels, will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy flow. These 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 the Ki changes, the symptoms associated with an imbalance in the movement of Ki will gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being - the physical body and also on an emotional and/or mental level.

Each treatment will last approximately one hour. The first session will be longer since a detailed case history will be taken to develop a complete picture of your health according to the principles of Oriental Medicine. Each session usually takes place on a padded mat or futon at floor level. The client stays fully clothed.

See practitioner(s): Carolyn