Shiatsu

What is Zen Shiatsu?

Shiatsu in Japanese means "finger pressure".  The origin and techniques of Shiatsu originate  from the ancient Oriental systems of healing that work with the energy body or meridians.  Shiatsu works by stimulating or calming the meridian flow in order to promote balance and wellness in the body and mind.  A Shiatsu Practitioner uses techniques such as stretching, rocking and applying pressure with thumbs, fingers, elbows and even knees and feet to the meridians to improve the quality of energy flow.  A Shiatsu session takes place on either a futon or a massage table with the client fully clothed.

Shiatsu is very effective in treating chronic conditions that do not respond to traditional Western medicine or as a complement to Western treatment. It is also excellent as a wellness routine as it can prevent serious health issues by correcting minor imbalances before they become chronic conditions.

A treatment takes about one hour which includes discussion about past and present conditions.

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How do we develop imbalances of energy flow?

The human body experiences many traumas during the course of a day, emotionally and physically.  Each time we are traumatized, stress hormones from the adrenals are released - preparing us to either flee or fight (flight or fight response). When the ordeal is over, we process the experience as we rest which activates the relaxation hormones and allows us to heal from our trauma.   Ideally, when we have experienced a stressful situation, we take the time to recover and rejuvenate.  Often times, we are too busy to even notice when we have experienced stress and therefore, we do not take the time to recover and heal from it.  This is an unhealthy pattern which eventually harms us physically, mentally and emotionally and can makes us feel spiritually empty and disconnected. 

Stress manifests in the body; in the muscles, skin and fascia.  As a result, specific points or regions of the body can become painful, tense, sensitive or dormant; not vibrant and alive.  Because muscle moves our bone structure, the body begins to misalign developing further imbalances and discomfort and establishes unhealthy patterns of moving, thinking, and responding in our environment.

How Does Shiatsu Work? 

Shiatsu affects the receiver on many levels by activating the parasympathetic nervous system which releases the hormones that promote deep state of relaxation and provides an avenue for the body to do its own natural healing.  Shiatsu provides energy and nourishment to the organs, muscles, bones, and tissues, stimulates the circulation of fluids and energy and activates the hormonal system.  A Shiatsu treatment usually leaves one  with a feeling of deep calm and of being more open and in touch with body and self.

How Should I Prepare for a Shiatsu Treatment ?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing including socks. Natural fibers such as cotton are recommended.  It is best to arrive on a light stomach.

Shiatsu/Shin Tai

Shin Tai works with the primary information system of the body, the Governing Vessel (GV) and the Conception Vessel (CV) meridians and allows the practitioner to access the receiver’s condition on a deeper level with greater effect and efficiency.

Shin Tai incorporates shiatsu, craniosacral, fascial, and structural alignment techniques into one comprehensive way of working with the body.  Shin Tai technique is a light touch to specific areas of the body that will best clear and open the energetic system. 

Shiatsu/Shin Tai combined with energetic-structural work, muscle and connective tissue work helps to restore the primary body/mind information system and helps the person realign with their priorities, goals and creative impulses.  As a result of this treatment, clients experience deeper release in the spine creating easier mobility of the neck, shoulders and hips.

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Shiatsu/Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points, a type of muscle stiffness, are caused by tiny contracted knots that have developed in the muscle and tissue when an area of the body has been injured or overworked.  Trigger points cause pain elsewhere in the body.  Trigger Point Therapy relieves this pain by applying pressure to these specific points, sometimes for a few minutes in order to release the tension.

Many of these trigger points are located on the meridians that Shiatsu addresses. Shiatsu in combination with Trigger Point Therapy is an effective way of relieving pain caused by trigger points and also for releasing stress and emotional tensions held in the body.

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Shiatsu Level I

In this 50 Hour Course,  the student  will learn how to apply shiatsu safely and effectively using various techniques of applying pressure with fingers, hands, elbows, knees and feet.   You will learn the basics of Yin Yang Theory, Five Element Theory and the twelve energy meridians and how to access them.  Wear comfortable clothing including socks.

50 CE Hours Available.

 

Schedule & Fees