Shiatsu is a Japanese form of therapeutic massage using finger pressure and originating in acupressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Shiatsu is used to work with the body as a whole entity to promote a sense of wellbeing and potentially alleviate some aliments through use of finger, palm, or forearm pressure and rotations of joints and stretches.

Shiatsu is a non intrusive massage, so is done fully clothed, the treatments I offer are usually an hour or 90 minutes depending on booking, and at the start of all treatments there is a consultation to establish a current state of health and any possible medical history and conditions. This is usually a fully body treatment using palm and finger pressure and there is some use of rotations and manipulation of joints to encourage movement in the necessary places. It is preferable to wear loose and comfortable clothing and to drink plenty of water afterwards.

A brief insight into how a Shiatsu treatment is approached as a therapy modality.

Shiatsu is very beneficial for muscular strains and pulls as well as reducing stress, helping manage pain and some underlying medical conditions. A series of Shiatsu treatments can be had to rectify any imbalances in sleeping patterns and to promote a general sense of calm. There are many researched studies online which have been seen to show Shiatsu having a beneficial influence among the participants.

In 2016 a meta-study was published on the effectiveness of Shiatsu:

The objective of this review of research on Shiatsu was to determine its specific efficacy in medical care and therapeutic safety. The results show that Shiatsu is an effective and safe treatment method for the indications that were investigated. Shiatsu is used for physiological, psychosomatic, neurological, psychophysiological or psychosocial impairments and to generally support health and well-being.

The studies included here demonstrated that on average Shiatsu shows a slight advantage compared to procedures of conventional medicine.”

From: “A review of Shiatsu and an endpoint analysis (meta-analysis) of controlled studies on the efficacy of Shiatsu”

In 2007 Professor Andrew Long of the University of Leeds published a longitudinal study into the effects of Shiatsu:

The findings confirm the safety of Shiatsu as practised within the three countries

The findings demonstrate interconnected and consistent evidence of client- perceived beneficial effects in the short and longer term. These range from symptom change to lifestyle changes. The effects are maintained in the longer term (six months follow-up)

Benefits in terms of general well-being, health maintenance, health promotion (uptake of advice and recommendations) and health awareness are notable. This suggests a potential role for Shiatsu in public health

Findings on a reduction in use of conventional medicine, medication and working days lost due to ill-health are indicative of an added value and potential economic benefit arising from Shiatsu treatment

From “The Effects and Experience of Shiatsu: A Cross-European Study: Executive summary”

To try shiatsu book with us today: Book Shiatsu

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