I am ready to get into a week of Shiatsu treatments, in my special treatment space – know fondly as the Shiatsu Shed!
Shiatsu works on many levels so I get to work with a lot of different clients…..those with pain and physical concerns, those with stress and anxiety, those with fatigue and sadness.
I love that Shiatsu meets the client where and how they would like to be met.
Along with being a physically satisfying experience it can be nurturing, supportive and transformational.
I have watched my clients take control of their situation – be it a bad back, chronic fatigue or a bad life situation – and start to make steps towards a healthier space.
I am looking forward to another week or being in the privilege place of supporting and facilitating people’s journeys.
So this photo is me walking to my course – 4 weeks to go till the end of year one. Feels like yesterday that I was starting out…..
I have learnt so much, about another therapeutic way to support people, about myself.
It has informed and deepened my Shiatsu practice. My Shiatsu has informed and supported my way of being whilst learning.
I am looking forward to next year when I begin my practise hours but not looking forward to my last essay and prepping for my competencing to practice test.
Here’s to new things – new challenges – shifts and changes – endings and beginnings
I have been working a lot with people with Chronic Fatigue, post viral fatigue, long Covid, Fibromyalgia and MS like symptoms.
It is often sad and sometimes heartbreaking to hear the limitations that conditions involving fatigue have put on clients lives.
Clients have often got very good at pacing – managing their time and tasks. They have learnt what exercise works for them.
But they are often fed-up. They’ve had enough of managing. They may feel frustrated or even angry.
Shiatsu, in my experience, can really help people’s energy levels and start to get them feeling more like themselves. They don’t need to work so hard at everything and can begin to plan and see beyond the relentless pacing and managing.
It’s really cool watching people feeling mentally happier and physically stronger.
Shiatsu is a really subtle, but pretty powerful form of therapy. It may feel like not much is happening in a treatment but by balancing the energies in the body Shiatsu can relieve symptoms and boost energy levels.
Do get in touch if you’d like to discuss further. Contact me through the ‘contact me’ page or email amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk
Even in the rain the allotment is a place where I find peace and stillness – a quietness of breath – a slowing of the mind – a reconnection to my centre.
My Shiatsu sessions often have a discussion around self care in them – let’s face it most of us struggle to find a balance, when there is so much happening in our lives.
Client’s express guilt that they can’t find the time to implement a self-care regime….
First they’ve made it to a Shiatsu session – that is serious self care!
Second – let’s not worry about regimes just yet!….how about 5 minutes here or 10 minutes there.
Recognising what feeds us and finding time for that.
Plus small actions in a day – like lying and breathing – like stretching – like listening to our breath. Little moments to slow our thinking and actions and connect to ourselves.
So here I am – after a busy morning – before getting the kids – getting my five minutes of self care, self connection, grounding, joy…..whatever you want to call it!
I have finally had some photos taken of me giving Shiatsu in The Shiatsu Shed – the space where I practice.
Lumbar support work – for back ache and boosting vital energyWorking the occipital ridge with client in side position- to ease tension in the headWorking the upper and middle back – to help with back ache, tension and flow of energyLoosening tension in the neck and head with client in the seated position
You can see more photos of me giving Shiatsu treatments on this page Photos of Shiatsu
In this strange time being at home is helpful in some ways – don’t you think? I have been feeling levels of fatigue and tiredness at times, particularly in the mornings. However when I do have the energy getting to grips with some of those ‘I haven’t got time and space’ jobs has been satisfying.
My husband has been able to give the Shiatsu Shed some care and attention. Giving the outside an extra coat of protection. It is a lovely thing to give some care to our joint work space.
It was looking like it was going to be difficult to fit this particular job in. We use the shed a lot but this unusual situation has provided the space to get this job done.
Whenever the lockdown is relaxed the Shiatsu shed will be ready for more therapeutic and healing work.
Really missing my job now. I have enjoyed making the most of the family time but the longer the lockdown goes on the more I am missing what giving Shiatsu gives me.
Whilst supporting clients to work towards their own health, happiness and wellbeing I also get a chance todo this for myself. I am missing being part of the therapeutic journey.
I also have a quiet, calm and special place to practice. Fondly nicknamed (by me) as the Shiatsu Shed. It is actually a shared space, with many husband who practices meditation teaching in there too.
At the moment the Clematis is blooming beautifully outside the window. This is one of my favourite times to practice Shiatsu as I can catch a glimpse of this beautiful plant through the window. The Shiatsu Shed is a great place to practice, even in the rain or cold. I even gave a Shiatsu whilst a thunder storm took place above.
It is a special place to provide a safe and secure environment for healing to take place. I can’t wait to get back in there. Hoping it won’t be long until I can get back into the flow. Until them I’ll make do with watching the Clematis.
Come on let’s talk about these things. Stress, Anxiety and Depression are discussed more openly these days but it still seems that they are still, at least a little, taboo. In the 10 years that I have been practicing Shiatsu mental strain, Stress, Anxiety and Depression seem to have become more prevalent, I am treating more clients with these types of concerns.
To me it’s not a surprise. I have many clients who come to my Exeter practice and talk about their busy lives. Inevitably they have too much to do, are juggling numerous different priorities and are not getting anywhere near enough personal time. They find themselves spending the little precious time they have in their heads, trying to fathom out how to get out of their current situation.
Work seems to be a big factor in the pressure and stress that people feel in their lives. Jobs are more about targets and financial restrictions that supporting individual workers. Clients often express feeling out of control, trapped, hurt and deeply affected by decisions made in their workplace.
There are many ways to support Mental Health issues, meditation, Mindfullness, taking time out, counselling, cognitive therapies. Shiatsu is one way that someone with Stress, Anxiety or Depression can find support, relief and solutions.
Shiatsu is a supportive and safe form of hands-on therapy. It is always given through clothes, which often eases any fears or concerns about having therapeutic hands-on work. It originates from Japan, so has an Eastern ethos and theory behind it. The treatment looks to balance the energies in the body, to ease ailments, concerns or issues. It is gentle and nurturing but can be more physical and dynamic if appropriate.
Gentle and Supportive Neck and Face work, to ease Tension and Stress
Shiatsu may help to relieve and ease feelings of Stress and Anxiety and may lighten low moods and Depression. It provides deep rest and relaxation, aiding better sleep and softer more flexible thought patterns. It can also provide a sense of support and space, a chance to feel exactly how you feel and maybe let go of some of the mental burden.
What makes Shiatsu different is that the work is totally centered on the body, the tensions and stresses that it holds. When balanced with Shiatsu the body can feel relief, relaxation and release, the mind and emotions can follow what the body does. This can provide the client with a sense of being back in control of themselves, rather than at the mercy of their feelings. With this sense of control comes opportunity, to make changes or take steps forward in their lives.
I would hope Shiatsu would provide some sense of relief and relaxation within a session or two, along with better sleep patterns, if this is out of balance. Then would look at regular Shiatsu treatments following on, to support the body’s balance. The regularity of these sessions would depend on the individual situation. I always work to expand the time between sessions, as quickly as possible, until the client has Shiatsu just a few times a year.
Firm but supportive Pressure, allowing tension to release and be relieved
I have given Shiatsu, here in my Exeter practice, to a number of clients with concerns around Anxiety, Stress and Depression, along with many other issues and concerns. I feel confident working in this area and enjoy watching the positive changes that clients are able to make in their lives.
Ha the school holidays can create stress and tension for sure. Lots of parents, including myself look forward to having time as a family, but even so there are always tough points.
So although it’s half term next week, down here in Exeter, Devon at least, I am still offering Shiatsu appointments. Obviously this is for those if you who are on a normal week and those of you who need to escape the half term madness. It’s also going to help my own sanity and energy for the kids too!
I’ve limited appointments but do still have spaces left. Have a look at the pages on this website for more information. To discuss or book message me at amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk
There is always a focus in early January to push the new year, new you drive. It seems a funny time of year to start crazy exercising regimes and crash diets.
Over indulging at Christmas is a strong motivation but deep winter is a time for quiet and rest. With deep winter reflection and meditation comes the energy to push through new growth in the Spring and blossom in the Summer.
Setting resolutions of what we leave behind in the old year and what we look to achieve in the new is really positive right now. Spring is the time to flesh out and explore the details of our plans. Right now is about just sitting with our thoughts and letting them quietly germinate in the soil.
Shiatsu can help keep you get in touch with the seasons and find your own rhythm. With rhythm comes fluidity, of mind and body. Easing of physical symptoms and lightness of thoughts and emotions.
The treatments are intuitive and tailored to the client’s exact needs, whatever they may be. This means you can just relax and know what you need is what you’re going to get. This deep relaxation can generate better energy levels, better sleep patterns and a calmer mind.
Shiatsu can help you connect with what is important to you. It can provide drive and focus to allow resolutions to be followed through and plans to come to fruition.
Shiatsu, in my experience, is beneficial for pain in general. It’s helped clients with joint pain and back pain, digestive and menstrual pain. I have helped clients to gain more mobility and flexibility in their joints, knees, necks, hips.
Shiatsu can help support the physical body and can also help ease mental and emotion strain. Living with physical complaints can affect the mental and emotional balance quite heavily.
So for 2020 how about some space for quiet reflection, regaining one’s balance and taking control of one physical and emotional wellbeing. Bring on the Shiatsu.
Getting started is easy, book in an initial session! We can discuss general health and wellbeing and you get 45 minutes of peaceful and relaxing hands on treatment. At the end I’ll give you an idea of how many sessions, and how regularly, you may need to begin to see a difference.
You can email me at amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk or call me or 07791 070837.
If this is the year to make some changes but you’re not sure how then try a Shiatsu.
Shiatsu by Amy 