The Practice...
Shiatsu, (shee - ah-tzoo) meaning "finger pressure", is a Japanese form of bodywork rooted in the philosophy of ancient Chinese Medicine. Through the use of pressure with fingers, thumbs, palms... stretching, rocking and holding, the practitioner (that's me) assists the receiver's energy system in coming back to a more balanced state.
The idea of working with energy can seem kind of vague and pseudo-mystical, especially to us left-brained Westerners. I offer a little more of an explanation here, as well as through my ongoing blog posts.
You may also ask, What can shiatsu do for me?
Many people who receive shiatsu experience a deep and profound sense of relaxation, relief from common ailments such as stress, headaches, bodily aches and pain, repetitive strain injuries, digestive and respiratory issues, insomnia, high blood pressure and feelings of overwhelm.
More profound benefits can be a renewed sense of groundedness, centeredness, increased ability to deal with stress, and overall, a greater awareness of your own physical body. This is a good thing in that it can help to bring clear awareness to the connections between how you live and how you feel. With this awareness comes increased motivation and energy to make other healthy life choices.
I have also seen shiatsu to be a great form of support for pregnancy and labor, fibromyalgia, and childhood trauma.
Shiatsu is traditionally given, with the receiver fully clothed, on a futon on the floor, though at times I will use a massage table.
For some frequently asked questions I guessed you might ask, about shiatsu and shin tai, go here. (Unanticipated questions? Contact me..)
And, if I've enticed you to check out shiatsu, here's the info about making an appointment.
The Writing...
My understanding of shiatsu is continually evolving. And It's a little hobby of mine to find consistencies of philosophy in many things I explore. So I write about these things in hopes of helping you, my readers, on your own journeys. I also enjoy sharing how I am affected personally by what I've learned.. or just about life as a spiritual being in human form, which is almost always good for a laugh.
You can read my shiatsu-related blog here (oo, yay, subscribe!) and my personal blog here.
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The Stuff:
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