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Shiatsu is a whole-body acupressure treatment, sometimes called "acupuncture without needles."   A shiatsu treatment promotes a strong, clear flow of energy through 14 main energy channels, or meridians, which run the length of the body.   It feels great, is deeply relaxing, deeply healing, and fun!

• Shiatsu balances all physiological functions, moving every process in the body back toward normal.



• The rhythmic movements of shiatsu guide you into a deep state of relaxation by slowing down your brainwaves, leading you into a healing state of consciousness, similar to a hypnotic trance state.



• Shiatsu releases deeply-held tension in muscles and other soft tissues.   It is particularly effective for relief of inflammatory conditions and the pain associated with them, including arthritis, inflammation surrounding injured tissues, chronic muscle tension, acute muscle spasms, headaches, etc.



• Shiatsu works in a similar way to acupuncture, except that an acupuncturist works on a small number of points relating to your condition. Shiatsu works by balancing the energy flow throughout the entire body, producing a holistic healing effect, moving everything back toward normal.

A complete shiatsu session typically requires 90 minutes, in order to work thoroughly on all organs and energy meridians.   An abbreviated 60-minute session can help to relieve an acute condition in targeted areas.   A shiatsu session is done fully clothed, preferably in loose, comfortable clothing.

Shiatsu uses various techniques to clear energy blockages:

• Acupressure applied with thumbs, forearms, fingers, and elbows along the length of energy meridians
• Long, slow, whole-body stretches
• Passive joint rotation of hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, neck to release muscle tension in those areas

Shiatsu should not be painful!   Shiatsu is properly performed with exquisite sensitivity, pressing slowly enough to feel how far your body wants to go.   Please tell your therapist if the pressure is painful in any sensitive area, and she will adjust the pressure to stay in your comfort zone.