Shiatsu 

What is shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese healing technique whereby acupressure massage is made with the palms and thumbs of the hands on the energetic lines throughout the human body. This manual therapy comes from acupuncture and oriental tradition. It is linked to the concept of vital energy named "Qi" in traditional Chinese medicine. By applying pressure on a particular area, the body can find again its natural way of recovery and natural rejuvenation. An unbalanced vital energy will cause an unbalance at physical and psychological levels causing tiredness, muscle stiffness, pain and general unease.  

What I directly experienced, is that the healing process is directly connected with a higher level of relaxation and well-being. When we allow the body to relax, the cells operate at a different level and the muscular rejuvenation can happen. Body and mind are interconnected and if we work on the physical aspect, the mental level is automatically affected and vice versa. 

Shiatsu is an holistic method where your participation is required to get the best results. Shiatsu restores the self healing abilities and thus will help you to start the detoxify process for optimal elimination of waste products of your body. A series of 5-6 sessions is generally required to see a significant change in your whole system. 

What to expect during a session?

I always start the session with a series of questions about your current health problem. Then, I ask more about the medical history, diet and lifestyle.  I also wish to know your expectations about the sessions. After the treatment, a herbal cup of tea will be served. Shiatsu is practiced directly with clothes on, so come with comfortable loose clothing (particularly no tight jeans with belt). 

If you are curious about shiatsu but would like to start with a small taste, you can try out the short session on chair massage. You just sit on a chair and the pression on specific area/points will relieve tension in your neck, shoulders and back. This way you can find out if shiatsu is something for you, I recommend it to my clients who are new to shiatsu.