Zen Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a form of bodywork and traditional healing art that has its origins in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the historical massage techniques of Japan. Modern Shiatsu is based on these oriental traditions (which go back several thousand years) drawn together with ideas and knowledge from modern disciplines such as physiotherapy and psychology.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Shizuto Masunaga, a Japanese psychologist and a student of Zen, re-incorporated psychological and spiritual dimensions to shiatsu.

Zen shiatsu does not hurt! While some styles of shiatsu are more forceful than others, the Zen Shiatsu style works with gravity and efficient body mechanics to provide solid deep contact that is also completely nurturing and relaxing.

The term Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure" and as such only just begins to describe the work of the Shiatsu practitioner. Pressure techniques can use elbows, knees or feet; stretching and light manipulation may also be used.

Pressure varies according to the body's needs: sometimes gentle and calming, sometimes deeply stimulating. Shiatsu can be wonderfully relaxing and invigorating. It can put you back in touch with yourself often bringing attention to aspects overlooked from day to day.

Shiatsu can be used:

• to aid relaxation and revitalisation
• in general health maintenance and awareness
• to promote self development and self healing
• for the treatment of specific conditions
• complementary to other alternative and orthodox treatments

Some of the more Common Conditions Amenable to Shiatsu are:

• Scoliosis
• Insomnia and other sleeping problems
• Asthma, sinus trouble and other respiratory complaints
• Back Pain, Headache and migraines
• Low Energy Levels, Fatigue and weakness
• Digestive disorders and bowel trouble
• Emotional Instability, Anxiety, depression, stress and tension
• Premestrual Syndrome and other uro-genital complaints
• Back pain, sciatica, rheumatic and arthritic complaints
• And many other ailments