This is what she says...
'I started my journey with Shiatsu over 4 years ago when I embarked on a 3 year Diploma course with the Bristol School of Shiatsu. I loved every minute of the course and now love working as a Shiatsu practitioner. I am convinced of its benefits to health and well-being - it can be wonderfully therapeutic, full of magic and surprises.
So what is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a healing therapy that uses touch, pressure points and gentle stretches to rebalance energy in your body and help it realise its self-healing potential, both physical and emotional.
Shiatsu arrived in the West in the 1970s but its roots lie in Traditional Chinese Medicine from around 5,000 years ago. The pressure points used are the same as those used in acupuncture.
Developed in Japan 100 years ago, Shiatsu incorporates ancient oriental medicine knowledge (a holistic approach to health, the benefits of massage, and the use of pressure points) with more recent Western medical knowledge, including that of anatomy and physiology.
Shiatsu works with Ki (energy) that flows throughout the body along pathways called meridians. These meridians connect each part of the body and its organs. If there is an imbalance or stagnation of Ki along a meridian, signs and symptoms of illness arise.
These symptoms can be physical or emotional. By applying pressure with their fingers, thumbs and palms along the meridians and at certain pressure points, a Shiatsu practitioner encourages the body to heal itself, by moving energy to areas most in need and away from where it is congested.
What are the benefits?
Shiatsu is especially useful for:
relieving stress and tension and promoting relaxation
re-energising weaker areas of the body
promoting general well-being
relieving aches, pain and stiffness
reducing the need for medication
helping you become more aware of your needs and wants
helping you realise beneficial life changes
And what are the benefits?
You will receive your Shiatsu fully clothed (minus shoes). Loose clothing is best and please avoid belts and chunky buckles that might get in the way. Normally you will lie on a futon at floor level, but we can use a chair or treatment table if this would be more comfortable.
Sessions last for an hour and start with a check-in to discuss your health and how you’re feeling. You will then receive Shiatsu for about 45 minutes. This will likely involve:
· Gentle manipulation
· ‘Listening’ and holding
· Careful stretching
· Touch using thumbs, finger tips, palms and sometimes elbows, knees and feet, that follows particular meridian pathways along different parts of your body
· Work on certain pressure points
Often one of the practitioner’s hands will be stationary on the body while the other hand moves. During the treatment, you may experience slight tenderness, but not pain. Clients generally find Shiatsu to be pleasant and relaxing, often with unexpected emotions, physical sensations and realisations coming to the surface.
To find out more or to book a session with Kate...
Mobile: 07903741230
Email: kate@malawihbc.org
More information: https://www.shiatsusociety.org/