Shiatsu Bodywork
WHAT ARE SHIATSU AND ACUPRESSURE?
Shiatsu is a therapeutic Japanese healing modality that has its roots in 5000-year-old Eastern medical massage practices. It uses acupressure, passive stretching and joint mobilization to create a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating balance in the body’s energy system. It is done on a futon on the floor (unless the client needs to be on a table). The shiatsu practitioner uses thumbs, palms, elbows, and knees to apply comfortable pressure along the meridian pathways to clear blockages and nourish depletion. One client described the stretching and movement of shiatsu like receiving a gentle yoga class while you nap and dream. Another client says it feels like a mix of massage, chiropractic, and physical therapy. It is a wonderful experience that helps us let go of chronic tension. An acupressure session takes place on a massage table, and will involve no movement but instead the combination of points stimulated with finger pressure. In a regular shiatsu session, we usually integrate both kinds of treatment (movement and acupoint pressure) inviting the receiver to fall into a deep sense of their own well-being, and to feel more ease and flow in their body. Each session is custom tailored to the client’s goals as well as the body’s needs as assessed in the hara at the start of every treatment.
How can ASIAN BODYWORK help You?
Shiatsu moves and balances your Qi with stretching, pressure, and movement. Acupressure moves and balances Qi with the strategic choice of specific acupoint combinations stimulated with finger pressure. Many people use shiatsu for muscle recovery after workouts, to improve mobility and wellness after injury, or for relaxation and mental calm. People may use acupressure for deep relaxation, to relieve chronic armoring that results in tight musculature, or for various health concerns. Both acupressure and shiatsu help relieve symptoms related to musculo-skeletal issues, sciatica, women’s health, digestive problems, respiratory disorders, neurological disorders, low energy, anxiety, headaches, injury rehabilitation and more. As somatic therapies, shiatsu and acupressure can also help someone reconnect with themselves in the context of trauma healing. Our practitioner can combine these therapies or offer shiatsu-only or acupressure-only treatments. If trauma recovery is something you are working on, please contact the practitioner directly to understand what to expect and how we can approach this together safely. In this case you are encouraged to also be working with a therapist who can help you process what may arise in bodywork sessions.
What to Expect.
For your shiatsu/acupressure treatment, please wear a comfortable t-shirt (long or short sleeve) and loose pants that cover the legs and socks. While a Western massage therapist works on the skin directly, shiatsu is best done when the skin is covered. There is no need to remove any underclothing. Jeans and tight pants limit mobility if your practitioner is helping you with a knee stretch to your chest, for example. And although tight spandex compression leggings facilitate your movement, it can make it difficult for your Qi, your body's own energy in the meridians, to both flow freely and be perceived easily for treatment. You can bring your loose comfy clothes with you and change before and after your treatment, if needed. Thank you!