Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese word made up of two written characters meaning finger (shi) and pressure (atsu). Shiatsu allows the patient to get in touch with their own healing abilities. It is a balance -- and an interactive relationship -- between practitioner and patient, in which the healing power of both build upon one another to clear and balance the vital life force energy that is known as Qi. At its root, Shiatsu is a Japanese healing art deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What To Expect
Michelle practices the art of Zen Shiatsu. This is a form of bodywork administered by thumbs, fingers, palms and elbows, feet and knees. Pressure is applied to all parts of the body along meridians. It is understood that this technique stimulates the natural healing powers of the body, wherefore symptoms of disease lessen and vitality is regained.
From the Western point of view, Shiatsu works directly to calm the autonomic nervous system, which has the effect of calming nervous distress and increasing resistance to disease. Zen Shiatsu is ideally performed while the recipient lies on a futon on the floor, but can be combined with an Acupuncture treatment on the massage table. The Shiatsu recipient should be dressed comfortably with light clothing.