Di Johnston
Zen Shiatsu - promoting wellness
Zen Shiatsu uses the simple and direct approach of the Zen Buddhist Monks in Japan, for whom all things are considered to be manifestations of the vital universal force, called “Ki” by the Japanese, or “Chi” or “Qi” in China. In India it is called “Prana”. It is often described as “energy” and the harmony of Ki within the human body is essential to our health. Shiatsu is a hands-on body therapy using acupressure to restore balance to mind, body and spirit.
A Shiatsu session has no set routine, so it can be tailored to suit each individual directly.
Practitioners may recommend specific lifestyle and diet changes, or exercises, to assist in the healing process. Shiatsu is extremely useful for a huge range of physical ailments, from migraines to backache, but anyone can benefit from it.
Shiatsu is based on the oriental medical understanding that both our physical and mental structures are supported and affected by meridians. Meridians are channels of living magnetic energy and a Shiatsu Practitioner will work with both the meridians and associated acupressure points during a session.
Shiatsu literally translates as Finger Pressure. Shiatsu is a fully clothed therapy and takes place on a traditional style futon, on the floor. Sessions usually last for about 1½ hours. Shiatsu involves elements of oriental diagnosis, abdominal massage, pressure application to various parts of the body using fingers, thumbs, knees and elbows, gentle stretches and joint articulation. A session is always well within your “comfort zone” and there are never any sharp unexpected movements, it is not uncommon for people to “nod off”
