Creative Changes

Healing-Shiatsu (for Shiatsu Sessions in Bristol)

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese Healing Art. It is non-intrusive and a gentle form of bodywork where the client (fully clothed) lays on the floor on a soft mat (futon), sits on a chair/wheelchair or lays on a bed. The practitioner mainly uses their hands to work with a person’s Ki or vital energy/life force. The theory derives from Eastern Medicine and there are known to be Meridians (likened to rivers of energy) in and on the body which are linked to the vital organs. On these Meridians are to be found the Acupuncture points. Shiatsu means ‘finger pressure’ and these Acupuncture points are located and used by pressing with the thumbs, fingers, elbows and feet to relieve pain and other symptoms.

Shiatsu also draws on the knowledge of anatomy and physiology from Western Medicine, and some movements used are similar to physiotherapy. Shiatsu involves techniques such as gentle rotations, and stretching, rocking, massage, and leaning on the body to support and tonify weak areas and to move energy where it may be blocked. The aim is to restore the smooth flow of Ki (life force energy) circulating in the body. Imbalances in energy can cause pain, tension, breathing difficulties and postural problems.

Our life force energy is called Ki - or Chi energy in China. We are born with Ki energy and also create and maintain it with the food we eat and the air we breathe. Ki flows through our bodies in meridians or rivers of energy. We can liken this to a river or canal system and when the flow of water (or energy) is upset then we get blockages, dams and stagnant pools creating imbalances in our Ki.

From time to time our energy goes out of balance and we don’t feel quite right. We may have aches and pains, tension, breathing difficulties and postural problems. Shiatsu helps alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, body tension, back pain, PMT, headaches, chest and breathing problems, supports pregnancy, and helps many other conditions.

Receiving Shiatsu involves a willingness to receive, change and grow. In Healing-Shiatsu the client is involved in the healing process to increase well-being and address disease in the body. Clients may be asked to take onboard simple lifestyle changes including dietary recommendations, breathing exercises and shiatsu stretches called Makko-ho.