FAQs:
Shiatsu
What
is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a gentle but powerful form of bodywork from Japan which is designed
to heal and promote health by improving and influencing the state of natural
energy in the Body.The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known
as Ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians.
For many different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely and this then produces
a symptom. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being
- not just the physical body but also on an emotional and/or mental level. Shiatsu
means 'finger pressure'. It is not massage. It uses pressure and stretches and
is given through clothing. It was developed
at the beginning of the last century and is a combination of Japanese Massage
(Anma) and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What
Disorders does Shiatsu help?
Like accupuncture, it is claimed to have a strong preventative function for
relieving many disorders including headaches, migraines, sinusitis, stress,
anxiety, fatigue, digestive problems, menstrual problems, neck and shoulder
tensions, back and joint pain.
What
Happens in a Shiatsu Session?
Your Shiatsu practitioner will consider your state of health, the symptoms
you are experiencing and, depending on your constitution and general energy
levels, will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy flow. These
may include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees
and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and
stretches.
What should I wear?
You should wear loose, warm, comfortable clothing.
How
do I prepare myself for a session?
You should not eat heavily in the two hours prior to treatment or drink alcohol
before or after treatment. Afterwards drink plenty of water to smooth the flow
of changes through the system. You should avoid strenuous or stressful activities
after your session.
How
long is a session?
Each session lasts approximately one hour. The first session may be slightly
longer as the Shiatsu practitioner will take a case history to obtain a complete
picture of your health.
What
happens in a Session?
The session usually takes place on a padded mat or futon at floor level. Other
arrangements can be made if you are unable to lie down. You will stay fully
clothed during the session
What
types of qualifications do UK Shiatsu practitioners
have?
The Shiatsu Society has two registers of qualified practitioners; MRSS (Members
of the professional Register of the Shiatsu Society who have been assessed
for professionalism and clinical expertise by an independent panel of senior
practitioners and teachers of Shiatsu) and Graduate (Members on the Graduate
Listing hold diplomas from the Society's recognized schools following three
years of training, but have not yet taken (or passed) the independent MRSS
assessment).
What
Professional Bodies are there in the UK?
The Shiatsu Society
The Shiatsu Society
Eastlands Court
St Peters Road
Rugby CV21 3QP
Tel: 0845 130 4560
Fax: 01788 555052
Email: admin@shiatsu.org
Website: www.shiatsu.org
Resolve 20th January 2003
