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Shiatsu

WHAT IS SHIATSU? - AND IS IT FOR YOU?
A new approach to coping with everyday life

Improving vitality and mental energy
Shiatsu is a system for body maintenance - the achievement and subsequent maintenance of a sense of well-being in the body, which helps maintain emotional and mental health.
  Physically it works by stimulating the circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluids which work on the nervous system, helping to release the build up of toxins and deep seated tension within the muscles of the body.  All of these enables the receiver to relax deeply and aids the body's natural healing abilities
  Shiatsu can help in a wide range of disorders and conditions.  Just some of these are: back problems, headache, migraine, stress, fatigue, aching joints, muscle pain, asthma, urinary problems, indigestion, constipation, menstrual problems, depression and anxiety.  Shiatsu is very supportive and can generally help - even if a condition is so severe that a complete recovery is not possible, it can help in coping with symptoms and improve quality of life.

What to expect
A Shiatsu session lasts from 40-60 minutes.  The session is given with the client fully dressed (the clothing needs to be loose fitting and preferably of natural fibre).   The client is asked to lie on a comfortable mat in a warm room.  Each session is adapted to every individual's requirements, so if a client is unable to lie down or has physical disabilities the session can be altered to suit specific needs.
  After an initial talk the session begins.  Using fingers, palms, elbows, knees and feet to apply gentle pressure, the practitioner stretches, loosens and gently rotates the body to release energy and aid relaxation.
  Shiatsu should not be at all painful, but if pain is felt the client should let the practitioner know straight away.  At the end of the session the client remains reclining for a few minutes to enjoy the sense of stillness and well-being that the session generates.
  Sometimes, one or two simple stretching or breathing exercises are demonstrated for the client to practice at home, between sessions.
  After the session it is ideal to avoid stressful or strenuous activities for an hour or so in order to enjoy the immediate benefits.