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What is Shiatsu?

This ancient Japanese method of healing is a kind of gentle bodywork. The goal is to balance and promote the flow of blood and qi by palming and thumbing the body's meridians or energy pathways. The front and back of the body are worked from head to toe leaving you relaxed, yet energized. Like acupuncture, shiatsu utilizes traditional Chinese medical theory to target the ailment source and form an appropriate treatment and specific acupoints are stimulated with finger, foot, elbow or knee pressure to create balance and wellness. 

Why Choose Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is unique in that it's like combining massage, reiki and acupuncture all in one! As a time tested system of healing that's been around for centuries, shiatsu treats a wide range of ailments including:

• Back, neck or shoulder issues caused by injury or stress

• Sciatica, fibromyalgia or arthritis

• Anxiety, trauma, emotional distress

• Sleep issues & Insomnia

• Digestive problems, headaches or asthma 

Before you Come

Please wear loose, comfortable clothing, no skirts or jeans, please! Also, try not to have a very full stomach. Please allow an additional 20 minutes for your first visit for discussion and paperwork.

What To Expect

Be prepared to relax! Shiatsu is a quiet, soothing therapy here in the United States. However, you may have some sensitive areas where the qi and blood are especially jammed up in which case you might feel "good pain". This is when an area feels surprisingly tender but you know it needs work and want to keep going! Anything that does not feel good is eliminated. Clients lie on the floor on a futon which might sound odd or unappealing but is actually quite comfortable. The futon is nicely padded and heated for added coziness and warmth. Pillows, bolsters and blankets are also used to make clients as comfortable as possible as well as a "body support cushion" for when clients lie face down. Being on the floor allows the practitioner to better work the body's meridians and incorporate gentle stretches with plenty of room. If needed, assistance is readily provided for clients getting down onto or up from the floor. Sessions may take place on a massage table if absolutely necessary, simply ask in advance and we'll arrange it for you.

Adjunct Therapies

There may be times when other therapies will be implemented during the treatment with your permission:

• Sotai exercises for strengthening and body alignment

• Magnet therapy for chronically painful areas

• Cupping to release stagnant blood and qi

• Moxa therapy to tonify/strengthen your body's healing abilities

• Heat packs to ease soreness and stiffness  

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