Shiatsu
Shiatsu is an ancient form of oriental medicine dating back 5000 years
to the beginning of acupuncture. It is a traditional Japanese healing
art, which literally translated means finger pressure.
In Shiatsu the practitioner uses his/her own fingers, palms, elbows,
knees and feet to press along meridian lines on the body. These meridian
lines, which have been described as "channels of living magnetic energy
in the body," pass though the body and connect he vital organs. Although
named after the vital organs, the functions of the meridians are much
wider and encompass the whole being, at he emotional, mental and physical
level.
An imbalance in a person's vital energy may manifest itself as a back
problem, a headache, a mental depression, or in many other ways. By
working along the meridians the practitioner summons energy to the
places most in need and disperses the energy from the areas where
it is congested, thus restoring balance to the whole body.
Shiatsu is primarily a preventative medicine which helps to maintain
an individual's health, vitality and stamina. It also strengthens
the vital organs and prevents energy from getting blocked in the body.
Shiatsu can help in a wide range of disorders and chronic conditions
including depression, migraine headache, backache and injuries and
other stress related conditions.
Sonia Moriceau's extensive years of training and practice in both
Zen Buddhism and Shiatsu have led her to create an approach called
"Healing - Shiatsu." Healing - Shiatsu is a non intrusive from of
healing: the practitioner's role lies in preparing the client physically
and mentally so that a recovery can take place.
Through an understanding of the whole being - the breathing pattern,
posture and mental attitude - practitioner and client reach to the
true origin of the suffering, be it mental or physical.
Healing - Shiatsu asks the client little by little to take full responsibility
for his/her own state of health. In addition to a shiatsu session
the practitioner introduces, where relevant, a system of self-healing
exercises aimed at working on certain areas of the body related to
the condition of the individual. Through guidance and support the
client learns how to be independent and self-reliant and can maintain
a state of well-being throughout life.
A Healing - Shiatsu session lasts from 40 to 60 minutes. The session
is given with the client fully dressed, but preferably wearing loose
fitting clothes of natural fibre to allow for movement. The client
is asked to lie on a comfortable mat on the floor, although the practitioner
will take account of any physical disabilities. Generally the practitioner
works on the whole of the body. The session should not be painful,
but if pain is felt the client should tell his/her practitioner at
once. Self-help techniques may be discussed at the end of the session
The client should then go home and rest for a couple of hours or at
least should not engage in strenuous or stressful activities. The
effect of a Healing - Shiatsu session may be felt immediately, or
later on in the day. If strong reactions are being experienced at
a later stage, the client should not hesitate to contact the practitioner
who will be able to explain the reaction and make suggestion to help
ease the discomfort felt.
Stephanie Harrington
practices Shiatsu and Indian
Head Massage at the Haelan Clinic.
For Clinic times, contact details and information about the Haelan
Clinic practitioners see The
Practitioners page .
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