How does Shiatsu work?
The Shiatsu practitioner manipulates the Ki within the body with emphasis on communication and synergism between the giver and receiver. She does this by asking questions about the client’s state of being both physically and psychologically. She observes such aspects as moods, body language and posture, and tone of voice. She may ask questions about the clients’ lifestyle, stress levels, job contentment, diet, exercise and sleep habits, relationships, spirituality, and other aspects of self-care. The scope and depth of the treatment ultimately depends on what the client is willing to bring to the session and how deeply the client wishes to address such issues. By gently palpitating the Client’s hara (abdomen) or back, the practitioner observes the energy levels of each of the 12 meridians and incorporates her findings into the 5 element theory.
The patient will lie on a floor mat or on a massage table. The Shiatsu therapist will employ his or her hands, elbows knees and feet to balance the body’s meridians. By applying pressure to specific points along the meridians the therapist correct imbalances and consequently correcting ailments or injury. Shiatsu is a holistic therapy and so the whole being, from the physical to the emotional, is treated by the therapist. It is not unusual for patients to experience a range of feelings and emotions such as laughter, tears, elation or complete calmness. Such reactions demonstrate that the body is breaking free of old and damaging energy patterns.
