What is Shiatsu?

• Gentle natural hands on body therapy, which follows a road map of pressure points on the scalp, face, trunk, upper and lower limbs, and on the feet.

• Only thumbs, fingers, and palms are applied onto the pressure points of the body.

• Shiatsu can be practiced on a soft comfortable mat on the floor or on a cushioned therapy table.

Does Shiatsu hurt?

• The pressure of Shiatsu is soft to medium pressure, depending on what the Practitioner feels on the Recipient. The Practitioner tries to follow the breathing rhythm of the Recipient

• When an individual is more receptive and trusting with the Certified Shiatsu Practitioner, the more relaxed and helpful the treatment will be

• Generally Shiatsu does not hurt. Depending with the person's age, lifestyle and daily wear and tear. They may have sensitivity in a specific muscle region, softer pressure is recommended to help alleviate the muscle tension, release the uric and lactic acid build up, or calcium deposits in the muscle

How do I prepare for a treatment?

• Eat a light meal two hours before the treatment.

• Please wear loose comfortable natural fibers; your skin will be able to breathe more easily than having man made materials on during the treatment.

• Please do not wear commercial perfumes and scented products, Yvonne is allergic and will feel ill with a migraine.

• Bring an eye mask, or CD that helps you relax (optional).
  

What may happen after a treatment?

• Every individual has a unique experience with Shiatsu depending on his or her health conditions and lifestyle habits.

• Feeling very energetic, relaxed, sleepy, or light on their feet.

• May have an increase in digestion, urination, and bowel movements.

• Treatments may last a few days depending on the individual.

What should I do after a Shiatsu treatment?

• It is recommended to drink water after the treatment, to help release toxins in the body.

• Take it easy after the treatment, wait a few minutes before driving. Some people may feel very sleepy after the treatment.

• An Epsom salt bath for 10 to 20 minutes is recommended after the treatment to help release some of the toxins in the body. It is recommended to rinse with cool water. Drink plenty of water during and after the bath since the Epsom salts tend to dehydrate the body.

• It is not recommended for people with these conditions to have Epsom salt baths: pregnant women, people with high blood pressure, and people living with diabetes.

Can everyone benefit from Shiatsu?

• Unfortunately Shiatsu is not recommended for people who have been diagnosed with: cancer, twisted intestinal syndrome, pre and post surgery, people with contagious skin and fungal diseases that can put the practitioner's health at risk, and people with broken bones, sprained tendons and ligaments. It all depends on the comfort level with the practitioner and recipient; treatments will not be applied to the problem areas and perhaps the client can be treated on different areas of the body with a shorter time period of a treatment.

(Source of information courtesy of Kensen Saito - Sensei from
Shiatst Academy of Tokyo, class notes and lectures)