What is : Shiatsu

SHIATSU is becoming increasingly popular, through both private practitioners and projects directly funded by the NHS or developed in conjunction with NHS staff. Here the Shiatsu Society explains how the therapy works and how it might help you.

What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy. It can help in a wide range of conditions - from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives.

Common conditions helped by Shiatsu include:
* back pain
* headaches, migraines
* whiplash injuries and neck stiffness
* joint pain and reduced mobility
* menstrual problems
* digestive problems
* asthmatic symptoms
* sports injuries
* depression

Background to Shiatsu
The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely and this then produces a symptom.

Your Shiatsu practitioner will consider your state of health, the symptoms you are experiencing and, depending on your constitution and general energy levels, will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy flow. These may include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and stretches.

As the quality of Ki changes, the symptoms associated with a lack of flow will gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being - not just the physical body but also on an emotional and/or mental level.

What to expect in a session
Each session lasts approximately one hour. The first session may be slightly longer since your practitioner will take a detailed case history to develop a complete picture of your health according to the principles of oriental medicine.

The session usually takes place on a padded mat or futon at floor level, although it is possible to receive Shiatsu sitting on a chair if you are unable to lie down. The client stays fully clothed. Following a treatment, there can be a feeling of increased vitality and you may feel invigorated yet relaxed.

Guidelines for receiving Shiatsu
Please bring or wear loose, warm, comfortable clothing, preferably cotton: eg sweatshirt, tracksuit trousers and cotton socks.
Do not eat heavily in the two hours prior to treatment.
Do not drink alcohol before or after treatment.
After treatment drink plenty of water to smooth the flow of changes through the system.
If at all possible avoid strenuous or stressful activities after your session.

Finding a qualified Shiatsu practitioner
The Shiatsu Society maintains two public registers of qualified practitioners:

MRSS: Members of the professional Register of the Shiatsu Society (MRSS) have been assessed for professionalism and clinical expertise by an independent panel of senior practitioners and teachers of Shiatsu.

Graduate: Members on the Graduate Listing hold diplomas from the Society's recognized schools following three years of training, but have not yet taken (or passed) the independent MRSS assessment.

Members of both Registers of the Shiatsu Society are:

• current professional members of the Society,
  
  
• covered by professional indemnity insurance to a level set by the Society; and
  
  
• provide a signed agreement to abide by the Society's Codes of Ethics and Conduct.

Names of MRSS and Graduate practitioners are available from the Society's office and website.

The Shiatsu Society
The Society was set up in 1981 to facilitate communication within the field of Shiatsu and to inform the public of the benefits of this form of natural healing. Since then the Society has grown to form a network linking interested individuals, students and teachers, and to fulfil the role of Professional Association for Shiatsu Practitioners.



To contact the society, for details of training in Shiatsu or to obtain a list of registered practitioners by area, please contact:

The Shiatsu Society, Eastlands Court, St Peters Road, Rugby CV21 3QP. Tel: 0845 130 4560. Fax: 01788 555052. Email: admin@shiatsu.org. Website: www.shiatsu.org.