Shiatsu can be used to help alleviate many symptoms of chronic illness or to support through periods of ill health or long term illness.

While most conditions are treatable to some degree, some acute symptoms such as high fever would not be treated at the time; the body is already working very hard itself and we would wait to allow the fever to pass. Please call or email if in any doubt about any symptoms you may have.

Shiatsu can be received when well purely for relaxation and as a measure in maintaining good health.

Yes, shiatsu can be beneficial for specific conditions. Everybody is unique and responds in different ways to the treatment, yet most people find positive benefit. The use of traditional acupuncture points enables the practitioner to boost specific aspects of your health.

Yes, although not in the first three months of pregnancy. After this the shiatsu can feel very supportive and beneficial as your body is working very hard itself. We can also go through acupressure points whcih help induce labour and ease labour pain, for when the time is right to do so.

This is generally okay; the practitioner will enquire what the medication is and what it is used for.

Shiatsu can be received sitting in a chair or sitting on the floor if possible. The comfort of the receiver is a high priority in a treatment and cushions are used for suppor when needed, in any position.

No. Shiatsu differs from massage in that it is received fully clothed. Also, the techniques of applying pressure aim to work with the whole body, not just the local area. There are a few stretching techniques in common with massage, yet a shiatsu feels like a different experience.

Shiatsu uses the concept of Ki, the universal energy from which everything manifests and the practitioner is trained in developing a sensitivity to feeling and perceiving the ki of the body (which is possible for anyone interested in learning about Ki through Chi Gung exercises, Tai Chi etc.)

In Chinese medicine imbalances in Ki give rise to ill health and through rebalancing energy we can improve our health.

The organs in the body have corresponding energy meridian lines that run over the entire body; when these are worked the health of the organs can be affected, and it has been found in acupuncture that specific points along these meridian paths have specific beneficial actions on the body.

The practitioner uses the information given by the client and a Hara diagnosis to form a picture of imbalances in the person's being. The initial light palpation of the Hara (area below the rib cage) gives a starting point of two meridians which that person needs treating at that moment in time. This is used as a basis for treatment, usually resulting in feeling more balanced, centred, or better in yourself.

Shiatsu promotes the capacity of the body to heal itself. The practitioner has a certain amount of "tools" to use, but it is the body's own healing ability that brings about any healing changes.

The practitioner respects the lifestyle of each individual client. There is no pressure or obligation to change or live a "healthy" lifestyle. The practitioner may be able to advise ideas around diet, exercise or activities to rebalance the energy in an area that may benefit. this information is offered to a client if they would like it.

The practititoner aims to use gentle techniques to enable the body to relax and open. Occasionally some meridians or points may feel slightly sore. This indicates there is a need for them to be treated. The comfort of the receiver is very important, so should anything be uncomfortable, just let the practitioner know.

There is always freedom to talk in a shiatsu, especially if something does not feel okay or is uncomfortable, or feels particularly good. It is fine to chat if something arises, it is also good to allow yourself the quiet as it gives you a meditative benefit from the treatment and allows your awareness to settle within yourself.

Another aspect of receiving shiatsu is that it can raise your own self-awareness as you become more finely tuned to your own energy. This leads naturally to a focus on yourself and your own path in life. It can be very supportive in empowering you in your own direction in life.