Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art that uses touch to help your body rebalance its natural energy

In ancient East Asian medicine, it's believed that when our body's vital energy, called Qi gets blocked, we can start to feel unwell. The aim of Shiatsu is to get that Qi flowing smoothly again and restore your body's natural ability to heal itself.

It's a bit like acupuncture but without the needles!

What to expect

Your first Shiatsu: When you come for your first session, you and your practitioner will chat about your health, lifestyle, and any concerns you might have. This helps tailor the treatment just for you! I might check your pulse or tongue as a form of diagnosis, and ask questions about your daily habits like sleep and diet to get a complete picture of your health.

What to wear: Shiatsu is a fully-clothed treatment! Please wear loose, comfy clothing like a t-shirt and pants, and socks. Tight or restrictive clothing like jeans, shorts, skirts and singlets are less ideal.

The space: The treatment is received on a futon on the floor, which allows the me to use my body weight effectively. It can also be performed on a massage table or chair, if required. Please let me know in advance so I can arrange the room.

The treatment: Your practitioner will use various techniques like pressing, kneading, soothing, tapping, and stretching with their hands, thumbs, knees and elbows. Gentle to firm (but never painful) pressure is applied along your body's energy pathways (called meridians) and specific points along these pathways. Your comfort is always the main priority, so it’s important we get the pressure just right.

Additional techniques: The treatment might also include gentle assisted stretches and corrective techniques. If appropriate, ancillary techniques like Cupping, Gua Sha, or Moxibustion might be weaved into your session. If these techniques require you to partially remove clothing, I will always ask for your consent first.

Afterwards: It's common to feel deeply relaxed, and more in tune with your body. Some people even experience an emotional release, which is perfectly normal. Remember to drink plenty of water to help your body, rest if you feel like it, and notice any changes in how you feel over the next day or two.