SHIATSU

The word shiatsu means finger pressure in Japanese, and the therapy of the same name has been called Japanese physiotherapy. It is an ancient Eastern therapy in which sustained and stationary pressure is applied to the same points as those used in acupuncture and acupressure. In addition, the muscles are stretched to relieve muscular tension and various gentle manipulative techniques may also be included.

Shiatsu Treatment
You will usually receive shiatsu lying on a mat on the floor or in the sitting position, and the pressure is applied through the clothing, so there is no need to undress. However, it is advisable to wear loose clothing to allow free movement as required.

The therapist makes a diagnosis of the areas of weakness by taking a history, examining the pulse and palpating the abdomen. The treatment lasts between 60 and 90minutes, and produces a feeling of deep relaxation and well-being.

You may experience healing reactions, such as flu-like symptoms or a headache after the first treatment, but these usually last only a day or so, and become less and less marked as the course of treatment progresses.

You can receive shiatsu techniques from a friend to maintain health and reduce stress, but it is best to consult a practitioner if you require treatment for an ailment.

A course of shiatsu therapy usually involves four to eight sessions on a weekly basis, but many clients continue to have a maintenance treatment every month or so.

Conditions that can be treated by a professional shiatsu therapist include:

• Digestive disorders, including constipation and diarrhoea.
• Back and neck pain.
• Migraine and toothache.
• Stress, tension and mild depression.
• Insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns.

This list is not intended to be comprehensive. It is best to make a preliminary enquiry about your own conditions, or ask your doctor's advice.

Shiatsu means finger pressure in Japanese

Cautions
Shiatsu should not be given immediately after eating or when there is a high fever. Shiatsu is not applied to wounds, areas of inflammation or scar tissue. It should be used with caution when treating people with cancer, heart disease or those who are elderly or frail.

Simple Shiatsu For Your Partner
The following technique can be used to release tension in the neck. Sit your partner on the floor, on a rug or a cushion, and kneel behind.

• Place your hands on your partner's shoulders and pause briefly. Then start to squeeze and knead the trapezius muscle between your fingers and thumbs. This muscle connects the lower neck to the shoulders; you can feel it tighten if your partner shrugs his or her shoulders.
• Use a gentle chopping movement along the length of the muscle with the outer edge of your hand. You can increase the pressure, but make sure your partner does not experience undue discomfort.
• Kneel at the right side of your partner with your left knee supporting his or her back. Support your partner's forehead with your right hand and, using the thumb and fingers of your left hand, knead the muscles at the back of the neck on both sides of the spine.
• Kneel behind your partner again and place your forearms on his or her shoulders. Apply gentle pressure by leaning forward. Ask your partner to take a deep breath, then as he or she breathes out, roll your arms outwards towards the shoulders. Repeat several times.