Relaxation and Shiatsu

I’m now living in British Colombia on the Vancouver Island in the beautiful little town called Sooke. Part of the main reason we moved was to be closer to the nature, and in Sooke we are not disappointed, it is our little paradise on earth. Especially for a Shiatsu therapist when Shiatsu is one of the most natural physical therapy that is inspired by the observation of the nature itself; Sooke environment provide the gorgeous nature that help you to re-energized, where you can find easily biologic healthy food and healthy activities which is ideal for me.

But I realized that when I talked about Shiatsu, people believe that it is only a kind of relaxation massage and nothing else.

Of course after a Shiatsu treatment you can feel really relaxed, and it is usually the sensation that most of clients felt at first but that does not mean that a Shiatsu treatment only provide relaxation.  The effects last during few days after the treatment and can result as better sleeping, less stress, reduce of pain, more emotional control, better digestion etc…  

In fact, if relaxation is one the first effect of the treatment it is because it’s part of the Shiatsu approach and technique to access the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) of the client/receiver in order for the Shiatsu therapist to connect with the client/receiver body in the first minutes of the treatment.

Shiatsu is an ancient traditional Japanese manual therapy based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine and the movement of energy through specific pathways in the body called meridians or channels. Blockages in these pathways can result in both physical and emotional problems. And in order to identify and work those blockages the Shiatsu therapist needs to observe and establish a connection with the receiver.

The Shiatsu therapist must be as well relaxed and in the same time focus to listen actively and demonstrate a good understanding of the receiver needs. Another piece is the room where the Shiatsu treatment is done; the room must provide to the client/receiver a place where he/she can feel safe and confident enough to relax.

So the first 10 min of the Shiatsu treatment are really important for the Shiatsu therapist to get his/her client/receiver deep in the ANS meaning in a profound relaxation mode. Once the relaxation is established, the Shiatsu therapist can access more easily to the blockages and free the energy flow where it is needed.

 

To work on these blockages, as Registered Shiatsu Therapist, I use a variety of hand and body techniques. Techniques include passive stretching and mobilization, cranial-sacral techniques, pressure applied along meridians with palms, feet, arms, elbows, knees, thumbs and fingers, grasping and also kneading, and percussion or pummeling. I can also use polarity to improve the connection between the different body systems and moxibustion techniques to increase the global energy level of the body or to help part of the body to recover from injury.

The techniques are applied on the client/receiver who is laying down on a futon or sits in various poses. Each treatment is unique because it is based on the condition of the receiver at the time of the treatment rather than a specific protocol.

Even if the treatment focuses on the meridian pathways there is also neuro-muscular stimulation: The result is improvement of the energy flow, blood circulation, and flexibility and can help to improve health issues like  muscular skeletal tightness (Back, neck, and joint pain), repetitive injuries (physical and emotional trauma), depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, migraines, respiratory, digestive and gynecological problems, low energy and fatigue.

As you see Shiatsu therapy is much more than only relaxation and can really help you in many other health issues. So if you don’t know Shiatsu, let’s give a try :)