How Does Shiatsu Work? A Bio-medical Explanation

1. Shiatsu relaxes tense muscles... by using pressure to cause "reporting stations"(Golgi Tendon Organs) in and around joints to relay messages to the brain telling the muscles to relax.

2. Shiatsu reduces pain and promotes peace... by stimulating secretion of endorphins (natural painkillers) which reduce pain, regulate the body's stress response, and determine our moods. Also, touch distracts from pain because there are more nerve pathways communicating touch to the brain than pain.

3. Shiatsu improves internal organ function... by Nerve Reflex Actions. Internal organs are linked to the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and muscles via the nervous system (nerves) and by means of nerve reflex actions disturbances in the function of internal organs can be felt on the surface of the body.

The reverse is also true: by stimulating points close to the spinal column that correspond to a particular spinal nerve, a reflex action is set up and the functioning of the organ fed by that nerve is enhanced!

4. Shiatsu promotes healthy function of your circulation, hormones, and internal organs by... synchronizing and balancing the functions of both divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System. These are vital functions that we have no conscious control over. The comforting, supportive touch given in Shiatsu promotes the funtions of the parasympathetic nervous system, resulting in overall relaxation, calmness and a feeling of tranquility.

5. Shiatsu promotes detoxification and pain-relief by... working on trigger points (ashi points) to clear away toxins like lactic acid and also stimulates the lymph system to drain toxins from the cells, all of which help improve circulation and bring fresh oxygenated blood to the tissues.

Preparations for Receiving Shiatsu

DO

* Wear loose or flexible, longsleeved, clothing such as a sweatsuit that will keep you arm, as the metabolic rate usually slows, leading to feeling cooler. (A blanket will be provided).

* Allow enough time so that you are not arriving in a hurry or rushing away afterward.

* Have a snack or light meal an hour before the session so you are neither full nor hungry.

* Rest afterward; make the rest of the day as relaxing as possible.

* Drink plenty of spring or filtered water to flush out any toxins released.

* If being treated at home, ensure that the room is warm, quiet and free from disturbances.

DON'T

* Drink alcohol on the day of treatment or receive Shiatsu with a serious hang-over.

* Eat large or heavy meals.

* Exercise during the half-hour after the session or more than normal later that day.

* Take an excessively hot bath (heat temporarily "scatters" energy and will interupt the effects of the shiatsu session).

* Wear strong perfume, aftershave or other cosmetics.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your shiatsu therapist.

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a healing art originating in Japan that uses the power of touch and pressure to promote your natural abilities for self-healing.

Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and yet invigorating, leaving you with a feeling of tranquility and a sense of being in touch with every part of your body.

In a Shiatsu session the practitioner uses pressure with their thumbs, fingers, palms, and sometimes elbows and feet to induce deep relaxation and a feeling of well-being. It is sometimes dynamic and sometimes a more static form of therapy, involving pressure on and stretching of the limbs and torso, kneading and releasing tight muscles and supporting areas of weakness. One important aspect is that the receiver remains clothed during the treatment. Also, the slow and sustained holding pressure actively encourages conscious relaxation.

Shiatsu was developed from traditional oriental massage and, in common with acupuncture, it works upon the body's energetic system using a network of meridians or energy pathways that relate to the functioning of the internal organs as well as one's emotional, psychological and spiritual harmony.

Energy, know as Ki in Japanese (or Qi/Chi in Chinese), flows throughout the body like a system of rivers and canals. Things may happen to upset the smooth flow of Ki, causing blockages or weaknesses and stagnant pools in others. These may lead to physical symptoms, to emotional disturbances, or simply to feeling that "things are just not quite right."

Shiatsu is concerned with prevention. Many physical imbalances and symptoms start as more subtle energetic or psycho-emotional imbalances and if detected early enough they can be prevented. Our goal is to help educate you to be more aware of these signals and initial changes in your body-mind so that you can prevent dis-ease.

Zen Shiatsu is a form of healing that addresses the receiver now, in this moment of need. The person is helped rather than merely the condition.

Generally, no two Shiatsu sessions are alike. The order or work, the choice of meridians to be stimulated, the degree of pressure, and the areas on which to concentrate always change with the receiver's condition.

Self-Care and lifestyle suggestions relating to your condition will also be given at the end of each session.