1. What should I wear to my treatment?
Please wear comfortable, loose-fitted clothes similar to what you would wear to a yoga class or workout. Shiatsu treatments include stretches and joint mobilization and is always practiced over the clothing.
2. How does Shiatsu work?
Shiatsu works by improving blood circulation, releasing stiff muscles, and activating your parasympathetic nervous system, The parasympathetic nervous system is known as the “rest and digest” side of our nervous system encourages tissue repair, alleviates stress, and improves digestion.
3. How does Shiatsu Differ from massage?
Shiatsu is rooted in TCM. In a shiatsu treatment, you will always receive a full body treatment (legs, arms, torso, head). This holistic approach allows us to diagnose and treat the root cause so that we can restore and balance the ki of the body.
Instead of kneading or rubbing, perpendicular pressure is applied and feels deeply penetrative when applied to tsubos, or acupuncture points.
4. What conditions can Shiatsu help?
Shiatsu improves circulation of blood and lymph and helps to bring the ki of the body into balance, below I have listed only a small sample of the conditions that regular Shiatsu treatments have been proven to help.
Joint and muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, PMS, irregular menstruation, poor digestion, tendonitis, arthritis, asthma and many more. If you are curious as to whether shiatsu may be helpful for you, I would be happy to discuss it with you.
5. I’m pregnant, can I have treatment?
Yes! Shiatsu is a fantastic therapy to receive during this time in your life. It can help relieve pain and tension associated with the added weight and alignment of your changing body. It can also help with the myriad of uncomfortable pregnancy-related ailments including nausea, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, depression, water retention, nasal congestion, and many others. There are acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy and in those areas, shiatsu is not advised. I have taken additional training on how to safely treat pregnant women. Please speak with your doctor or midwife prior to booking an appointment.
6. I have cancer, can shiatsu help?
While shiatsu cannot cure or slow the spread of malignant cancer, it can provide much relief for anyone seeking a relaxing treatment to ease the discomfort associated with the physical and emotional burden of cancer. Shiatsu cannot be performed directly over any known tumors. Please speak with your healthcare provider first before receiving shiatsu.
7. Who should not receive shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a very gentle bodywork style that can be practiced on people across age and health spectrums – from small children to the elderly and folks that are feeling physically weak or frail
However, there are some specific conditions that Shiatsu is not beneficial for, If you think you have any of the conditions listed here, please contact me and I would be happy to discuss with you whether shiatsu treatment is an option for you, and, if not, what other modalities may be more suitable.
Acute infections (fever, flu, cold)
Acute injury (newly broken bones, newly dislocated joints)
Acute inflammation (appendicitis, peritonitis)
Acute poisoning
Malignant tumors
Ulcers (gastric, duodenal)
Immediately after surgery