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Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork, with its roots in Chinese/Japanese Medicine. Shiatsu is a complete system of bodywork which includes examination, assessment and treatment, based on an ancient system of healing. Shiatsu focus is to restore the free flow of Qi, or energy, in the meridians that flow from each organ out into the body.

 

Shiatsu therapy is a distinctly Japanese contribution to holistic healthcare and has evolved out of 3,500 years of oriental medical wisdom. It is founded upon the same principles as acupuncture, although no needles are used. It also incorporates the modern Western sciences of anatomy, physiology and pathology. Shiatsu therapy has been fully incorporated into the modern public healthcare system of Japan, and has been regulated as a distinct therapy by the Japanese Ministry of Health since 1964.

 

Based on research in Japan, it has been documented that shiatsu is very effective in calming the sympathetic nervous system and improving the function of the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lymph nodes, endocrine glands and internal organs. In addition, it has been shown that shiatsu assists the body in eliminating toxins and metabolic waste.  Thereby acting as a preventative health measure, as well as assisting chronic and acute health conditions.

 

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How does Shiatsu work?
The aim of Shiatsu is to restore balance to the body and make it stronger thereby assisting the body to heal itself. Like acupuncture, shiatsu works on the flow of ‘life energy’ or ‘Qi’. Oriental medical practitioners believe that our energy flows throughout our bodies via energetic pathways which are known as meridians (energy channels). If the Qi becomes blocked in any of these channels illness or dis-ease can result.

 

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What will happen during a Shiatsu Session?
We begin with taking a detailed health history. This includes asking about your specific issues, as well as your energy, digestion, sleep. We will look at your tongue and feel the pulses in the wrist, where clues to your energetic condition can be assessed. This information will help to decide which meridians and points to focus on. The techniques used in the massage will depend on your energetic condition, and the combining of intuition and theory to create an appropriate treatment for you, at that particular time. So each session will be unique.

 

During the session, pressure is applied to various parts of the body which correspond with the points and channels (meridians) used in acupuncture. For this reason Shiatsu became popularly known in the West by the rather inaccurate term of acupressure. Unlike acupuncture or acupressure massage, where the practitioner concentrates on a few specific points, Shiatsu works on the whole of an imbalanced meridian, and the whole body.

 

I will use thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows and and sometimes I may use my knees and feet in order to disperse or move blocked Qi. These techniques are used in conjunction with stretches and joint rotations where appropriate to assist the flow of energy through the meridians. I generally work all over the body, i.e. arms, legs, back, abdomen, neck and head. This enables you to relax deeply and get in touch with your own healing abilities and feel more connected with your body/mind and spirit.

 

Treatment is carried out through light clothing, usually lying on a wide low table, or on a padded mat on the floor. Shiatsu can be adapted to chair massage as well. The low height of my table, allows me to use my body weight rather than muscle to apply pressure, which is more comfortable to receive and less tiring for the practitioner.

 

Shiatsu affects all levels of our being, the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual: treatment is attuned to the individual's personal development of total health and character. To make real, long lasting changes in your health, I may give advice on foods to include or avoid for your energy type, essential oils blends, supplements, and Qi Gong exercises to continue to build and move the Qi in your body.

 

A typical treatment will last an hour (except for the first treatment will generally be longer for the taking of a full case history) although shorter treatments can also be beneficial.

 

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It is not a requirement to be ill in order to benefit from Shiatsu! Keeping your stress levels low by regular healthy activites such as Shiatsu, improves your chances of staying healthy.  But if you are faced with a health challenge, or lack of energy, pain . . .  you can benefit from Shiatsu due to its ability to strengthen the body's energy and self healing properties. Because an imbalance of "Qi” or energy in the body often precedes full blown disease symptoms, Oriental medicine has a preventative role. Along with changes in your daily life Shiatsu treatments can jump start your process of healing and balance.

Conditions often improved by Shiatsu

Treatment of all these conditions will be given according to Oriental assessment tools, although Western concepts are considered as well.

 

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Generally, massage therapy refers to Swedish massage, deep tissue, and trigger point work. Massage therapy usually involves rubbing and kneading the body using oils. Swedish massage acts on the circulatory system of the body to improve circulation. It also affects muscle tissue to relieve muscle tension and pain.

 

The most obvious differences are; Shiatsu therapy uses specific, rhythmic techniques of pressing, holding, kneading, stretching, and tapping along meridians and acupuncture points to regulate body functioning. The amount of pressure is applied according to your specific condition – as determined by the intake,  and your tolerance.  No oils are used, and you may wear loose clothes during the treatment. Shiatsu treatments help to relieve pain and improve organ function.  All of your bodies systems are addressed.

 

However – each therapist has their own additional skill sets, theories, intuitive abilities and style. Some Massage Therapists are trained in Shiatsu – as in the case of the School that I went to. Some therapists may incorporate both sets of skills into a single session.  I believe that there are many ways to open the flow of energy in the body – everything from deeply pressing into the connective tissue of the body – to working in the energetic field and not even touching the body.  This is the art of bodywork – to determine when and what is needed and can be accepted by the client.

 

Because I am trained in Clinical Aromatherapy and other alternative health systems, your Shiatsu session may include the use of essential oils that are associated with each meridian and related organ system to assist the body in establishing balance. For instance, if your assessment shows “cold conditions” such as stiffness, cold limbs, and certain digestive complaints – warming oils may be applied to certain acupuncture points and its entire meridian pathway to add even more warmth and assist the flow of Qi.  Other therapies are sometimes included inmy treatments such as Cupping, Moxibustion, Ampuku, Tui Na, and Spring Forest Qi Gong.  Read more about these therapies….. ( link to descriptions of these..)

 

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Most people report a feeling of being deeply calm, but energized.  These reactions can be due to the  energetic effect of a Shiatsu session. However, the full effects of a treatment may also take several days to achieve. Occasionally a new patient may have a 'healing reaction' after the first few sessions. Symptoms such as headache, stiffness, diarrhea, desire to urinate frequently, or lethargy may be experienced, due to the release of toxins. These symptoms are transitory and soon pass, usually in 12 hours. Rest and drinking plenty of water will help. The practitioner can be contacted for advice and reassurance if required.

 

Most people have two opposing tendencies: one, the wish to regain health and freedom; the other, to remain attached to old behavior patterns which reinforce the sickness. An important benefit of Shiatsu is that in addition to aiding the healing process and providing relief from symptoms, it can also assist the receiver to become aware of what they need to do to help themselves and improve their quality of life.

 

Your overall improvement in health will be greatly enhanced by any improvements made in all the aspects of health - proper nutrition for your type, excercise, herbs/oils, meditation and bodywork.  Taking small daily steps to support your body such as minor dietary changes, rest when tired,  drinking water, breathing, gently moving your body each day such as walking, yoga, or Qi Gong or Tai Chi movements, and focusing on what is going well in your life.

Changes in any of these areas will create positive change, changes in all of these areas will create complete healing.

 

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In order to gain the most benefit from a Shiatsu treatment. Here are some guidelines to follow:

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You will need to fill out a client intake form, which you can print out here and bring with you to your first session. Also, a client bill of rights will be signed according to Minnesota Law.

 

Click here for a new client intake form (opens in a new window)

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No. If you have a medical professional referring you for Massage Therapy, bring me a written prescription, which will allow me to not charge Sales tax.  Also, check with your provider to see if money spent on Massage Therapy (Shiatsu is considered massage therapy) can be included as an expense in your HSA accounts.

 

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I will depend on your situation and goals. Normally, you will feel relief from your complaint with one treatment.  I wish I could undo in an hour, what has probably taken years to develop in your body, but the reality is a series will be needed in order to clear and balance the root cause of problem.   Acute flare ups usually take 2-5 treatments; chronic, deep issues may take 5-10 regularly scheduled weekly treatments or more. Also any changes you make in diet and exercise, stress reduction on a daily basis will greatly affect your outcome.

 

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Rates
60 minutes $65.00
75 minutes $80.00(recommended)
90 minutes $95.00

 

Packages
9 session $495 save $88
6 sessions $330 save $60
3 sessions $175 save $20
(Based on 1 hour sessions)

 

30 minute ($35) sessions available upon request.

Same rates apply for Healing with Essential oils.

Services are taxable. Credit cards accepted.
24 hour cancellation policy applies

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Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a form of heat therapy in which the dried herb "mugwort" (Artemisia vulgaris) is burned near the surface of the skin in order to trigger natural healing responses in the body. The use of moxibustion predates acupuncture, with records of the practice dating back many centuries B.C.  In Japan, scientists have found that the infrared radiation from burning mugwort is very similar to the natural infrared radiation in the human body. The result is that the heat from moxibustion penetrates deeply into the body, giving a warming effect which lasts for several days after the treatment. This kind of stimulation, at specific points on the body, can dramatically boost the immune system and trigger other profound effects, which include a reduction in blood coagulation time and an increase in adrenal activity.

 

Cupping
In China, archaeologists have found evidence of cupping dating back to 1,000 B.C. And, the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, describes the systematic use of cupping by the early Egyptians, as far back as 1,550 B.C.  Typically, cups are round vessels, 1" to 3" in diameter, and are applied to the body with vacuum suction. The vacuum is created either by means of heating the air inside the cup or by a mechanical pump. (I use a mechanicle I pump). The result is that the cup creates an area of low pressure, causing the blood to gather under the cup near the surface of the body. Through this process, the circulation is dramatically increased around and below the surface of the skin where the cups are applied.

 

Traditionally, cupping has been used to improve blood circulation in the underlying tissues and to stimulate the internal organs. As a result, cupping is indicated for a wide range of digestive, respiratory or gynecological problems where stagnation of "qi" energy or blood is indicated.  During a cupping treatment, the patient experiences a mild pulling sensation which calms the sympathetic nerves and allows a deep relaxation to move through the whole body.

 

Ampuku
Ampuku is a Japanese word for abdominal massage. In Shiatsu, the abdomen is considered the center of life force energy, and the source from which all the pathways of energy that radiate out into the body flow.  A “hara” (stomach) assessment is an important part of a complete Shiatsu treatment.  In keeping with the philosophy of treating the root cause of imbalances in the body, Ampuku addresses this directly. Some people enjoy having the abdomen included in their session, and find that they feel the bodywork was more complete. If you prefer not to have this included in your session, please feel free to let me know this.