What is Shiatsu?
"Shiatsu stimulates a person's inner healing power so the body can work to heal itself."
- Tokujiro Namikoshi Sensei, father of Shiatsu therapy
HISTORY
Shiatsu is a form of bodywork that originated in Japan and has roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient Eastern way of viewing ourselves as integrated beings. The mind, body, and soul are interconnected.
Dis-ease can arise when the balance is compromised. This imbalance may prove itself by signaling pain, emotional discomfort, digestive disorders, or lack of energy within our bodies.
AS A PRACTICE
Shiatsu literally means “finger pressure”. A therapist will use a combination of pressure, vibration and soothing/gliding strokes to:
* Break up stagnation (Outwardly, stagnation feels like tension, aches, pains, or heavy/swollen limbs)
* Move and strengthen Qi (Qi is the “life force” or energy that runs like rivers throughout the body, bringing about health and balance)
* Invigorate blood flow
* Assist in physical, emotional, and digestive rebalancing
"The heart of shiatsu is like a mother's love, pressure of the finger makes life flow."
- Tokujiro Namikoshi Sensei, father of Shiatsu therapy
SHIATSU THERAPY CAN
Reduce stress and fatigue
Reduce blood pressure
Increase vitality, stamina & energy
Boost immune system
Help to prevent illness & injury
Relieve muscle stiffness/tension
Stimulate and regulate digestion
Regulate the autonomic nervous system
Stimulate the function of internal organs
Increase circulation of the body’s fluids
“Stir up” connective tissues - making a more fluid environment
Stimulate your skin
Regulate hormonal secretion
WHAT TO EXPECT
A client is fully clothed during a Shiatsu session. Treatments are given using soothing, kneading and various pressured finger compressions along with the client's breath. The pressure can be light and gentle, or as deep as is comfortable for the client. Often a therapist will include some passive stretching and range of motion exercises near the end of the session.
Treatments are 60 minutes long with a 5-10 minute consultation prior to the therapy. Please plan on 75 minutes of your time and wear loose, comfortable clothing that you might exercise in.
ABOUT THE THERAPIST
Ann is a graduate of CenterPoint Massage and Shiatsu Therapy School & Clinic. Her training includes Namikoshi and Meridian style Shiatsu. In addition, Ann has taken continuing education classes in Advanced Asian Therapies, Tui'Na, and Thai massage. Ann is a member of the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia. (AOBTA)
Ann’s philosophy as a bodyworker is that the body, when healthy, is able to heal itself. Her intention during a session is to create space for healing, and to lend support and assistance to the body so that it can find its natural balance... or Natural Stride.
"Each person is a gift to the world. I remember that when I give a massage. I want my clients to receive whatever they need to do their work and live their lives to the fullest." -Ann Brummer, CMT