Shiatsu and Acupuncture Therapy

What is Shiatsu?

Literally translated, Shiatsu means “Finger pressure”. It is a Japanese therapy based on sustained application of pressure primary with thumbs to selected acupressure points in the body. The therapist may also use palms, elbows and occasionally knees to apply pressure. Shiatsu and Acupuncture therapy are based on Oriental medicine, an ancient form of healing which uses body’s own mechanism to heal itself and helps the patient to be aware of his body. From the Western view, shiatsu is explained through its effect on the autonomic nervous system which relaxes the internal organs improving body functioning.

Benefits of Shiatsu

Shiatsu and Acupuncture effectively promotes health and supports the healing process of a variety of conditions. It can benefit children, seniors, athletes, musicians, dancers and pregnant women. If you are healthy, shiatsu helps to keep your body balanced and to increase your resistance to disease.

What to expect on your first session

You will be asked to complete an intake form before we meet to give us a complete background of your health history.

A Shiatsu treatment is 60-90 minutes and usually takes place on a padded mat on the floor or a table. The patient wears comfortable clothes and should remove any jewelry. To avoid discomfort or difficulties in diagnosis, patients should come for their treatments with empty stomachs and bladders.

The initial consultation will involve a detailed case history and use a variety of techniques to determine the condition of Ki energy in the body. Following the treatment, recommendations may be given on gentle meridian stretches and self acupressure as well as changes to lifestyle or dietary patterns to support health and well-being.

Benefits of Shiatsu in pregnancy

Shiatsu treatment can turn a woman’s desire to conceive into an easy and positive experience.

Treatment focuses on applying gentle and firm pressure along the spine to stimulate the autonomic nerve system (ANS) to relax the body.

The ANS controls contraction of the uterus and phalopian tubes and  improves  the ovary’s ability to produce healthy eggs and hormones.

It also helps…

Increases blood flow to the uterus which facilitates fertility .

Boosts production of endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals that helps to relieve pain and reduce stress.

Relieve common symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness, insomnia, backaches, neck and shoulder tension.

Helps the baby to get into an ideal position for labour, strengthens contractions, and helps the baby’s descent.

Indications of Shiatsu and Acupuncture

Shiatsu and acupuncture are indicated in the treatment of many acute and chronic conditions, including:

• Digestive problems
• Headaches/migraine
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Discomforts in pregnancy
• Sciatica
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Whiplash
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Muscle tension and spasms
• Menstrual problems
• Infertility
• Impotence
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Asthma
• Arthritis
• Stress
• Depression
• Circulatory problems
• Discomfort in pregnancy
• Kidney disease
• Multiple sclerosis and elimination problems

Is there any reactions to treatment?

Shiatsu may produce side-effects of headache, fatigue, changes in energy and muscle soreness as a result of deep stimulation of the muscles. If you have an old problem that was not healed properly it may come to the surface as your body is trying to get rid of it.

These reactions are considered positive side effects, they are perfectly normal and will subside within 1-3 days. Treatments are generally administered weekly or every two weeks depending on client’s condition and how his/her body responds to treatment. If the problem is acute, two treatments a week may be necessary. If the condition is chronic, 5 to 10 treatments once a week may be required. For Acupuncture treatments disposable needles are used. Your therapist will help you to set a program which best suits your need and also suggest other alternatives to benefit your health.

What is Acupuncture

Chinese medicine uses acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of disease. This therapy has been used for thousands of years and has become very popular in the west. In the past 50 years several medical researches has been conducted to study the theories of acupuncture mechanisms. One of the dominant areas of research has been its effect on endorphin.

According to these researches, Acupuncture points have certain electrical properties, and by stimulating these points the nervous system can emit a variety of biochemical that influence other cells of the body. The nervous system is comprised with over 30 peptides involved in transmitting signals. Endorphin are one of several neuropeptides; these have been shown to alleviate pain, and have been described as the body’s own “Opiates”. It is connected to the hormonal system via the adrenal gland, and it makes connections to every cell and system of the body.

During treatment the patient is expected to experience needling sensation which is considered by traditional Chinese doctors as one of the key elements of a successful acupuncture. This sensation may vary with the treatment, but it has been described as a numbness, tingling and warmth. Sometimes the needling sensation is experienced as propagating from the point of needling to another part of the body.

Acupuncture and Shiatsu can help

• Reduce stress
• Induce deep relaxation
• Prevent illness
• Increase energy
• Correct digestive and circulatory problems
• Maintain a healthy pregnancy

Other Therapies

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a form of treatment that uses aromatic volatile liquids, or essential oils, distilled from shrubs, flowers, roots, seeds and trees. The father of aromatherapy is Rene-Maurice Gattefosse a French cosmetic chemist who cured himself from a serious burn by using lavender essential oil. He was able to save the lives of many soldiers suffering battlefield injuries during World War II.

According to Gary Young, one of the pioneers researching and distilling essential oils in North America, essential oils are reemerging as a key solution to the challenges facing modern lifestyles. The oils made from aromatic compounds from plants are some of the oldest and most powerful therapeutic agents known and have been used in healing and annointing religious rituals for thousands of years. Clinically the essential oils have an influence in the central nervous system helping to reduce pain and release muscle tension. The chemical structure of the oils can penetrate the cell membranes and travels throughout the blood stream oxygenating the cells.

The use of essential oils bring positive benefits to the body and mind stimulating immune function, regenerating damaged tissue and helping overcome anxiety and hyperactivity. They can be taken internally or applied onto the skin as well as used in inhalation treatment. The effect of the fragrance on the sense of smell can increase oxygenation in the brain, specially on the hypothalamus. Essential oils may also combat infectious disease by killing viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.

Reiki

Reiki is pronounced “Ray-Key” and it means universal. Rei in Japanese means spirit and Ki means life force energy. Reiki can therefore be called spiritually guided life force energy which is very important to us. It is the energy for our emotions, thoughts, and spiritual life. Reiki energy comes from God-force, and it is an extremely powerful healing energy. It is one of the few forms of healing that can be used to heal oneself. The Reiki Practitioner must be a clear vessel through which the healing energy flows. It is not a Reiki Practitioner who is healing, but merely acting as a channel. No special tools or equipments is needed and it is up to the healee to manifest harmony and balance in their life. They must want to be healed. Reiki should not compete with medical doctors and their treatments. Please consult your physician when the need arises.

Moxibustion and Cupping

Moxibustion

Moxabustion treats disease by applying heat to specific acupuncture points located in certain parts of the human body. The heat is applied by placing a small moxa cone as big as a grain of wheat directly on the skin and igniting it. Moxa cones are made from the leaves of Artemisia Vulgaris a specie of chrysanthemum with thick wool like leaves. The moxa wool can Mugwart herb produce mild heat which is able to penetrate deeply into the muscles, activating blood circulation and eliminating hundreds of diseases.

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient form of therapy commonly used in Chinese Medicine that uses the application of a glass jar on the skin to create congestion and eliminate toxins from the body. The suction of the skin is caused by igniting a small cotton ball soaked in alcohol and placing it in and out of the jar. The heat inside the cup causes the oxigen to burn creating a vaccum seal on the skin. The glass cup is left on the skin for few minutes. Cupping increases blood supply to the muscles releasing tension and providing nourishment to the body. It helps to activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages and improve the skin.

Children as well as adults can benefit from cupping therapy. Cupping is indicated for several conditions including lower back pain, shoulder pain, cough, constipation, diabetes, liver disease, Women’s diseases, cancer, heart diseases, asthma headache and gastro-intestinal disorder.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is an ancient massage practiced for over two thousand years similar to acupressure and Shiatsu, combined with stretches and yogic Asanas. At the time of the Buddha the most renowned physician was Jivaka Kumarabhacca who provided medical care for Buddha and other monks. He is regarded as the Father of medicine. He had a tremendous knowledge about the healing powers of plants, minerals and massage.

Thai massage works on the major meridians, also called energy lines which run throughout the human body. It uses healing touch to manipulate the pressure points promoting harmony and strengthening the physical body. The technique also incorporates western physiotherapy such as Trigger Point Treatments, Manual Therapy and Myofascial Techniques. The treatment starts at the feet progressing up to the head. The client’s body will be loosed and stretched and every movement is designed to support the clients as well as the therapist. Injured athlete’s as well as those suffering from stress can highly benefit from Thai massage.