Holistic Healing, Natural Therapies, Spiritual Awareness

Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies - Rose McGahey

 
SHIATSU & ORIENTAL THERAPIES 
 
What is Shiatsu?                              
SHIATSU is a deeply relaxing form of bodywork that harmonises the flow of our energy and aligns us with our purpose for being. The word means “finger pressure” and evolved from an ancient form of Japanese therapy originating in Oriental medical theory and traditional Japanese massage techniques. Touch is the essence of Shiatsu where pressure is applied with the fingers, thumbs, palms of hand, elbow and feet along the energy pathways (meridians) and acupressure points in the body. This activates and supports the body’s natural flow of energy referred to as Qi, Ki, Chi. It incorporates the modern Western Sciences of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
 
How does Shiatsu Work?
Shiatsu is used to maintain and restore health. It is also an effective preventative therapy.
In health, a balanced condition prevails and the Qi flows smoothly along the meridians (pathways in which energy travels along the human body), like a series of streams, supplying and maintaining all parts of the body. A state of imbalance occurs when the body has been weakened by lifestyle affecting the Qi which no longer flows smoothly around the body resulting in physical symptoms manifesting such as tiredness, physical pain, depression, emotional upset, stiffness and many more problems. The Shiatsu Practitioner seeks to discover tensions and blockages and concentrates on the most deficient and excessive meridian pathways by tonifying and sedating accordingly. The Shiatsu Practitioner treats the whole body as well as specific problem areas and is constantly listening to the body. The desired result affects the internal organs as well as the muscles and joints to help rebalance the individuals Qi. 
 
What are the Benefits for me?
Shiatsu is one of the most effective therapies for:
 
Reducing the effects of stress                                   Stimulates circulation
Promotes relaxation                                                  Strengthens the body
Supports the body back to its natural state
 
Shiatsu is a total body therapy and is recognized as being suitable for treatment of most common conditions which effectively assists with a variety of conditions:
 
Asthma                             Back, neck and shoulder pain
Fatigue                             RSI
Sports injuries                  Depression
Anxiety                             Insomnia
Migraines                         Menstrual issues
Muscle tension                 Irritable bowel (Digestive)
Immune system disorders
 
An important benefit of Shiatsu is that, in addition, to aiding the healing process and providing relief from symptoms, it can also assist the receiver to become aware of what they need to do to help themselves and improve their quality of life.  People of all ages, pregnant women including children, can benefit from treatments.
 
Whist acknowledging and working with the manifestation, Zen shiatsu ultimately aims to work on meeting the underlying cause of need to eliminate what is presenting at the time.
 
Remedial -  Oriental Therapies
Moxibustion and Cupping are ancient Chinese Therapies. The Practitioner may use one of these remedial therapies in a Shiatsu treatment.
 
Moxibustion
(Mugwort herb):-: Has an important role in traditional oriental therapies. Moxa is used by Practitioners to warm regions that are cold or damp over acupuncture points to stimulate circulation through the points causing the blood and Qi to flow smoothly. The mugwort favoured by some Practitioners is called a Moxa Stick.  
 
Cupping
Also, has some similarity to moxibustion. Traditionally cupping is used by applying vacuum cups (glass or plastic) to areas on the skin surface and the skin and superficial muscle layer is drawn into and held in the cup to relieve stagnation and promote the flow of blood and Qi. The Practitioner places the cup on certain acupuncture points as well as regions that are affected by pain (where the pain is deeper than the tissues) and helps softens long standing muscle tightness.  A technique called Gliding Cupping can be used by moving the cups along the surface of the skin to break up stagnation.  Discolouration is expected from both fixed position and movement of the cups. This is a good sign that treatment will be effective. Some examples for use of Cupping are: neck, shoulders, back, asthma, chronic injuries.
 
Nutrition/Diet/Macrobiotics
This takes into account seasonal foods and the types of foods that may cause hot, cold, dampness and heat conditions within the body. It works hand in hand with Shiatsu touching on the needs for nourishment, vitality of the spirit and clarity of mind to live a life of harmony, awareness and connectedness. 
 
What does it involve?
Medical history and the presenting are discussed. Some practitioners will use the Traditional Assessment methods of looking at the tongue, feeling your pulse and hara (abdomen), observing face, skin and posture.
face, skin and posture.
 
What Do I Wear for a Shiatsu Treatment?
Shiatsu is designed for an individual’s needs and is determined according to the style of shiatsu, the status of the Client, information and feedback. Treatment takes place on a soft futon on the floor, or may be given in a sitting position. Loose comfortable clothing is recommended. The Practitioner may use a cloth to cover exposed skin. The receiver need not remove any clothing in order to receive an effective treatment. In fact, it is better done through clothing, as working on the skin stimulates too many superficial sensory nerves, distracting the receiver from experiencing deeper sensations. This, also, allows the Practitioner to feel for deeper levels of imbalance in the body when the sensation of skin to skin contact is removed. In Traditional Shiatsu a cloth is used.
 
How Long Does a Shiatsu Treatment Take and How much Will it Cost Me?
A shiatsu treatment can last from half an hour to one and a half hours. Costs will vary according to experience, length of treatment and the qualifications of the Practitioner.
 
Shiatsu combines well with other modalities, counselling and medical treatments. Regular and consistent shiatsu treatments can become an important aspect of preventive health care as well as treatment for existing symptoms. By making a commitment to your health and wellbeing the full riches of life will be much more accessible to you.
 
 
Treatment Fee:   
 
 1st Consultation of 1 ½ hour                   $100
 (30 minutes consultation and 1 hour treatment)
 
 
Follow up Treatments:
 
Choice of Futon (floor mat) or Chair (massage chair)
 
45 minutes                $70
1 ½ hour                    $100
 

About Rose McGahey – Shiatsu Practitioner
Rose practices Zen Shiatsu and has been continually training in shiatsu, studying and practicing for the past 10 years. She is the Queensland Representative and National Council Member of Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia (STAA). A member of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (www.scbwn.org.au) She has experience in working with a wide spectrum of clients which include children and the elderly from the ill through to general wellbeing and pregnancy.
 
Rose offers: Zen Shiatsu
                     Zen Thai
                     Chair Massage.
                     Remedial Oriental Therapies – Cupping, Moxibustion 
 
Qualification details
Diploma of Shiatsu & Oriental Therapies – Queensland College of Oriental Medicine
(Accredited College)
 
Health rebates
Shiatsu is currently recognised for rebates by 13 Health Funds if the treatment is provided by a full member of S.T.A.A. (Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia). Refer to: www.staa.org.au