What Happens at a Treatment?

Shiatsu is practised through clothing and it is ideal to wear loose comfortable clothing, preferably natural fibre, cotton or wool. Each treatment lasts about 50 – 60 minutes, but on the first visit you should allow a bit longer (60–90 minutes) to include full initial consultation. The first session starts with discussion of your health and medical history, the symptoms you are experiencing and your energy levels, to gain a complete picture of your health, from an Oriental as well as a Western perspective. Information you provide is used for your individual treatment and is kept strictly confidential.

After each session there is an opportunity to discuss any feedback and some suggestions may be made to help you maintain the benefits of the Shiatsu treatment.

Shiatsu usually takes place on a futon (Japanese floor mattress). If it is not possible to lie on the floor, Shiatsu can be received while sitting on a chair. It is important that you feel comfortable.

The style of treatment is decided following consultation. It may be gentle or dynamic, depending on client’s needs or priorities.

Principal Techniques

• Relaxed pressure, using both hands, palms, thumbs and occasionally elbows or knees
• Stretching – carefully assessed stretches to release or to stimulate the flow of Ki (energy) and assist relaxation
• Mobilisation of joints – gentle rotations of joints to aid relaxation and release of tension.

Supplementary Techniques

A Shiatsu treatment may also include the use of Moxibustion, (the burning of a herb above an acupuncture point or ‘tsubo’ to stimulate circulation of Ki), or Cupping (application of suction cups to specific areas where there may be excess energy or Ki stagnation).

Guidelines for Receiving Shiatsu

• Please bring or wear loose, warm, comfortable clothing, cotton is best.
• Please bring or wear socks
• Avoid eating heavily in the two hours prior to treatment.
• Avoid drinking alcohol immediately before or after treatment.
• Avoid strenuous exercise or saunas immediately after treatment.
• After treatment drink plenty of water to smooth the flow of changes through the system.

How Many Treatments?

Every person is unique and the number of treatments required depends on the individual and how long the condition has been affecting them. Most people feel a benefit after the first treatment.

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 can also help you feel more at ease with yourself and with life in general.

Main Menu

• Home
• How I came to Shiatsu
• What is Shiatsu?
• What Happens at a Treatment
• Your Questions Answered
• Contact

My clinics are in Macclesfield, Cheshire, including Trinity House Practice, and at Wellbeing and Health, in Newcastle-under-Lyme