What happens during a treatment?
Treatments are given in a safe, comfortable environment, which promotes relaxation. The practitioner will use either a futon or a low table. The client is usually clothed and no oils are used. Pressure is applied with hands, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet, according to the style of Shiatsu practiced and adjusted to each person's body type and condition.
What's the difference between shiatsu and massage therapy?
Shiatsu is usually done with clothes on and no oils. It is a therapy whereby pressure is applied and sustained to an area of the body rather than efflurange. Shiatsu is about balancing your Qi (energy) rather than detoxifying.
What do I wear for a treatment?
Comfy clothes! You want to wear something that you can move and stretch in.
Is shiatsu covered by employee health benefits?
Check with your insurance company. Many providers cover a shiatsu therapist with an association membership and corresponding liability insurance.
Is Shiatsu painful?
Shiatsu Therapy is not necessarily a painful experience. It doesn’t need to hurt to be effective. You may experience “good pain” (a sense of relief upon pressure). However, pain is the body's signal that an imbalance exists in the meridian system. A skilled practitioner will locate these areas and/or points, and apply appropriate pressure within the client's comfort zone. Gradually, the pain subsides or changes character. Tension is released, the flow of Qi is restored and the healing process begins.
Are there any side effects?
You should feel relief from your chief complaints. You may even feel light on your feet or more grounded. It is very rare to experience any soreness, even the day after a treatment. Some people are very tired after a treatment and need to rest while others are energized. Sometimes people need to go to the bathroom more frequently for the next 24 hours. The reaction varies from person to person and from treatment to treatment. However, none of the after effects are negative or long lasting.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on your chief complaint and how long you have been suffering from it. Your therapist will discuss a treatment plan that is best suited to you. In general, one treatment/week for three weeks is ideal before a once/month maintenance program.
What do I need to do to make the most of my treatments?
Your therapist may give you "homework" which may consist of stretches or dietary advice. There is no need to drink a lot of water or to have a hot bath to flush out toxins as shiatsu is about balancing your Qi rather than detoxifying.