Kate Abolins
About Zen Shiatsu
"Shiatsu is a physical therapy which uses a combination of pressure points, gentle manipulation and stretching to re-energise weak areas and reduce tension in the body. By applying sensitive, mindful, static touch...the Shiatsu giver affects the functioning of physical systems such as nervous, circulatory and respiratory, thus supporting the body’s innate self-healing abilities and promoting a sense of relaxation and wellbeing". Shiatsu Society
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What happens in each session is unique as we are always in a state of flux; opening and closing, gathering ourselves together, maintaining, and falling apart. It's natural that no two sessions are the same and the intention is to meet you where you are.
We work with the internal system of channels/meridians through the body, the bodies natural energy system, finding points on the receiver where we can make a connection to the whole. We could say this is when a persons ki can naturally make use of the contact for their own healing process. The touch can be deep and penetrating or light and precise, depending on what’s needed and wanted. Blood and ki move through the channel, increasing flow, bringing life to where it was stagnated, frozen or hidden, bringing awareness to all parts of the body.
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"The free movement of energy and achievement of balance are the goals of Shiatsu treatment. A shiatsu giver will use these to diagnose, interpret and to plan your treatment and they do this by a multisensory engagement with the client" Shiatsu Society
What can Shiatsu help with?
"Shiatsu works by supporting Ki. Ki is a Japanese word that includes all the ways in which the body maintains internal harmony. By supporting Ki, Shiatsu practitioners help the body to heal itself and to enhance its physical, mental and emotional wellbeing." Shiatsu Society
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Shiatsu may help with:
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Regulating the nervous system
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Stress and stress related symptoms
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Fibromyalgia
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Muscle pain and tension
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Back ache
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Menopausal symptoms
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Insomnia and disturbed sleeping patterns
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Digestive problems
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High blood pressure
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Touch deprivation
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This is by no means an exhaustive list of what shiatsu can help with but hopefully gives an idea of some of the ground we can cover. A Shiatsu treatment can offer deep relaxation, re-centreing, re-balancing, grounding and earthing. Working on all aspects of being through physical touch; body, emotion, mind, psyche and spirit. Sometimes the simplest feedback from clients feels the most profound; the quality of coming back into relationship with oneself.
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Shiatsu is intended to support the healing process not to replace healthcare. If you have any health concerns, acute or chronic issues please also consult your GP.
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