Counselling & Shiatsu

Category: alternative health

  • Shiatsu & self support – Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu & self support – Exeter, Devon

    -What do you do to support yourself? & Do you do enough?

    Generally the answers to these questions are – not really & no not enough.  I would be interested to hear what you do to support yourself, daily routines or practices that you find support you.

    Since doing my Shiatsu massage training I have started a number of routines of self support that I find help me in my daily life.

    • I stretch – within Chinese Medicine stretching can be really useful for some people – this includes me. I find I can think more clearly after a good stretch – be it yoga or warm-up stretches or just stretching whilst I’m cooking or walking. I feel more relaxed & my mind slows down.
    • I breathe deeply – the abdominal area of the body is called the Hara in Shiatsu & this is an area we should embody as much as we can. It is an area associated with instinct & intuition, rather than being in our heads all the time & getting caught up in our thoughts.
    • I rest – The kidneys & Bladder in Chinese Medicine are the energies that keep us going, they are our core energy.  If we use to much of this energy we struggle to push through & get things done. The kidneys & bladder appreciate rest, quiet, reflection & meditation.

    I use Shiatsu daily to support myself & my family. I may hold a pressure point if I have a headache or one of my children is distressed. I may stretch a particular meridian (line of energy) to help if I have an ache or I am tense.

    I also look for support from other people. I have Shiatsu myself, or other treatments, as often as I can. Sometimes we need perspective & some support to help us keep going or to move on with something.

    Shiatsu can be a great supportive therapy. It can hold a safe, supportive space. It can be great if you are a carer or have a stressful job, if there are big changes taking place in your life or if you feel stuck in a rut & want to begin to make changes.

    Do leave a comment about what self support practices you have or get in touch through the ‘contact me’ page if you think Shiatsu might be able to support you.

     

     

     

  • Sunshine & Shiatsu – Exeter, Devon

    What a lovely morning today, here in Exeter (shame about the really rotten, wet, windy & cold afternoon.)

    The sun shone down on the wooden cabin & streamed in through the windows.

    The birds came out & enjoyed themselves, just outside the shed window. They were chirping & twittering, eating the seeds we had put out for them & hopping around to get the ones that had dropped to the floor.

    It was a really joy giving treatments this morning. The shed was warm & cosy & listening to the birds was perfect.

    What a pleasure giving such relaxing & nurturing treatments in such a perfect atmosphere. I definitely felt lucky that I do what I do!

    Xx

  • Shiatsu & Blue Monday – Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu & Blue Monday – Exeter, Devon

    Have you been feeling blue today. Apparently it’s Blue Monday today, the most miserable day of the year for a lot of people. I spent today feeling decidedly un-blue actually. My eldest son has a heavy cold & slept badly last night – so we had a day out of life instead of school – we bought ‘magic soup’ ingredients then we made it together – we read books, snuggled up & had plenty of lemon & honeys! It was a joy to slow down & step off the treadmill for a moment.

    If Blue Monday is getting to you there are few things you could try:

    • Make some magic soup – sweat onion, garlic, turmeric & ginger with some oil, a little water & some vegetarian stock cube or buillion – add diced potatoes when starting to soften add diced sweet potatoes, butternut squash & a few handfuls of kale – add more stock & water to just cover – cook until soft then whizz with blender.
    • Keep everything warm! Wear a scarf around your neck & wrap another around your middle – this keeps your kidneys warm so they can work as well as they can.
    • Massage your feet – relaxing & energizing. Can lighten the mind & ease tension.

    And of course have a Shiatsu! Book in now so you know you have some ‘me time’ coming up. After a Shiatsu clients have said “I feel ‘put back’ together,” “I feel great now,” & “It’s great to be stretched out.”

    I work in Exwick, Exeter.

    I’m always happy to talk Shiatsu so do get in touch through the ‘contact me’ page. If you would like to know more about Shiatsu have a look at the pages on this site or go the Shiatsu Society website

  • Shiatsu this week – Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu this week – Exeter, Devon

    If you need some time out come & have a relaxing Shiatsu massage in the new Shiatsu Shed. Shiatsu is great for warming up the whole body, helping with circulation, encouraging deep relaxation & sleep. All useful at this time of year.

    I am in Exeter this week & only have a couple of spaces left, on Wednesday & Friday. 

    If you’d like to discuss if Shiatsu may be able to support you or you’d like to book then do call me on 07791 070837.

    If you’ve not had Shiatsu before you can have a look through the pages on this site or head to the Shiatsu Society website, for their information.

  • The Shiatsu Shed – Exeter, Devon

    It was a cold, dark day in Exeter today but the Shiatsu Shed was warm & cosy. 

    I really enjoyed giving Shiatsu in out wooden cabin, it’s perfect for  a relaxing treatment.

    As the wood warms it creates a really pleasing wood smell & feels like a light, warm, tranquil space.

    I feel really lucky to be able to work in it, & it’s just a step out of our house.

    I offer Shiatsu in the Shiatsu Shed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays.

    I’m always happy to talk Shiatsu so do get in touch through the ‘contact me’ page. 

  • Shiatsu Massage – Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu Massage – Exeter, Devon

    hereShiatsu massage is very relaxing & can also leave the client higher levels of energy. Don’t just take my word for it though do have a look at the Shiatsu Society website

    If you’ve not had a Shiatsu massage before, or you would like to see how I practice it you may want to try a taster. I do quite a lot of events & you may want to like my Facebook page so that you can be kept informed.

    I’m always happy to discuss Shiatsu so you can get in touch through the ‘contact me’ page.

  • Shiatsu tasters – Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu tasters – Exeter, Devon

    There is a chance to get a Shiatsu taster at an East Devon Mind Body Spirit event next month.

    The event is in Broadclyst on Sunday February 18th from 10.30 till 4.30. As well as Shiatsu they’ll be a chance to try other tasters and stalls to browse.

    Tasters are a cheaper way to try out Shiatsu & are long enough to get an idea of what Shiatsu involves.

    Do spread the word & let anyone who think might be interested know – & come & say hello.

    More info on the event can be found here.

  • Shiatsu in the Winter – Exeter, Devon 

    Shiatsu in the Winter – Exeter, Devon 

    We are having quite a winter, so far. It was so dark & cold today, just right for staying indoors, for resting, for hibernating.

    Chinese medicine suggests this is exactly what we should be doing at this time of year. Reserving our energy, our vital energy. If we work too hard & do too much through the winter months we use up our core energy & risk not having enough energy to make the most of the spring & summer.

    Shiatsu can help give a well-needed energy boost at this time of year. It can warm the whole body & get the energy & blood moving well. It can encourage deep rest, relaxation & sleep. All which can help manage in the cold winter months.

    I work in Exeter, in beautiful Devon. I can discuss the cost of a treatment if needs be, as January can be a tough month.

    You may want to check out my Facebook page. Also the Shiatsu Society website has information about Shiatsu as well.

  • Shiatsu Plans – Exeter, Devon

    So Shiatsu massages are, from now on, in the ‘Shiatsu Shed’ in my back garden. It’s a beautiful wooden cabin & perfect for rest & relaxation.

    I now work Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & some Saturday mornings. I can also offer evening appointments. I’m always happy to discuss Shiatsu so do get in touch through the ‘contact me’ page.

  • Shiatsu treatments Exeter, Devon

    Often people ask me exactly what Shiatsu is & if it like having a massage. It is a hands on therapy but has a very different approach from massage. 

    Shiatsu comes from Japan & uses massage techniques but it is always given through clothes & generally on a futon mat on the floor.

    Shiatsu works the same pressure points & meridians (lines of energy) that Acupuncture & Acupressure use. It works to balance the energies in the body.

    Shiatsu can result in higher energy levels, relaxation & deeper sleep. It can help with anxiety & stress & has been shown to have long time health benefits.

    Photos can help show what Shiatsu involves.