Shiatsu in the Springtime

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I love giving Shiatsu all the time but there is something exciting about treatments in the Spring.

Winter treatments are generally quieter, looking to preserve or boost the body’s energy.

Once the Spring kicks in there is a bit more energy in the body to work with.

Where appropriate more movement can take place in the treatment, more stretches and rotations. Loosening the holding and tension, particularly in the shoulders and neck.

Plus the garden, surrounding the Shiatsu Shed, begins to bloom and blossom.

If you are interested in having a treatment or would like to know more then get in touch. Mobile: 07791 070837. Email: amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk

Xx

The Vital Importance of Touch

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In a year of little or no touch it has been good to see a number of articles, like the one below, discussing the importance of human contact.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/feb/28/the-power-of-touch-is-this-the-sense-we-have-missed-most?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Working with touch on a daily basis gives me a clarity of what touch can do for us.

Having human contact allows us to feel how our body is. Is it tired? Tight? Weak? Strong,

It allows us to see how we feel emotionally. It gives us the support to have the space to sense our emotions acutely.

It gives us an idea of how we relate to out lives – the people around us – the situation we are in.

There is a security in touch that creates space for change or options to appear. Ways that we can move forward, internally and or on our lives.

Shiatsu is a naturally supportive and nurturing form of touch. It holds the clients well, tailored to that particular person on that particular day. Connecting deeply on a physical an emotional level.

So lucky that my job involves so much touch.

Xx

Trying Shiatsu for the first time

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It can be hard to describe Shiatsu to someone who has not had it before.

Shiatsu isn’t like the type of massage that most people think of. There are no oils and Shiatsu is given through clothes and on a futon mat on the floor.

I’ve heard it described as Acupuncture without the needles. Shiatsu does use the same Meridians (lines of energy) and pressure points as Acupunture. However a Shiatsu treatment uses massage techniques to work the whole meridian and pressure points.

Reflexology and Zero Balancing have a similar feel to Shiatsu. They are different, obviously, but there is a gentle subtleness in all these treatments that can create powerful results.

Someone once said Shiatsu is like Reflexology for the whole body. And another said it’s energy work, like Reiki, but different!

The major comment I get after someone has had a Shiatsu for the first time is how satisfying it is. It is a joy to have physical work done on one’s body, including stretches and rotations on tight, stiff joints.

Every Shiatsu practitioner is different. I offer a very supportive and welcoming practice. I work a lot with the emotional aspects of physical issues and support people looking to make change in their lives.

My Shiatsu can be quite physical, when appropriate. I enjoy working the neck and shoulders and easing the tension and stress people are holding.

I offer 1 hour appointments which include at least 45 minutes hands-on work. There is a quick consultation at the beginning of the session and a little time at the end for coming round from the treatment.

I am always happy to talk Shiatsu and some clients like to discuss the treatment in advance.

However the only way you’ll really know what it is like is to try it out – so why not give it a go?!

Looking forward to Shiatsu – Exeter, Devon

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It is a strange thing being a hands-on practitioner in a pandemic, lots of people have needed support but I haven’t been able to give it in the usual way .

The stress and strain of this strange situation has had quite an effect on people’s bodies. I am so looking forward to getting back to work – offering hands-on Shiatsu – even if the extra measures will make it a little different.

A couple of days ago my 5 year old assistant took this photo of my hands. I have been keeping them busy doing lots of gardening and caring for my children. However Shiatsu is what they are best at!

I have been busy putting extra measures in place – to make sure my practice is as safe and hygienic as possible.

I am presuming that Shiatsu can begin again from july 4th, in line with the government guidance. Maybe this will be delayed- but if not me and my hands will be ready and willing.

Taking Care of the Shiatsu Shed – Exeter, Devon

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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.

Take care all

Xx

The Shiatsu Shed, Exeter, Devon

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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.

Xx

Shiatsu for Mothers – Exeter, Devon

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Mother’s Day is coming up and I wanted to take the opportunity to write about my own mum. The photo below shows her, on the floor, helping my young son cause chaos.

What the picture doesn’t show is the support and willingness mum always has to help me achieve yet another crazy idea. This photo was taken at, one of many, DIY birthday parties. The type of party that take lots of preparation, lots of helping hands and lots of tidying up.

Mum is great at organising and helping out wherever. she generally ropes her partner in as well. On this occasion they not only help with set up and tidy up (which by the way took ages) they also made jacket potatoes, beans and cheese for a dozen or so children and their adults! It was a cold January day and the kids were still little, good food made for a happy and relatively calm party.

  • My mum goes along with any of my crazy plans!

Mum is genuinely supportive and generous whenever possible. Although I am an only child she has always been a support to my friends and other children in our lives. These kids know they can rely on her and her problem-solving practicality, now they are adults, they can discuss with her about any situation they find themselves in.

Now she is on serious granny duties, supporting and caring for my two energetic and rambunctious boys. She is again a consistent support to them, they know she will help them practically but also that she accepts them completely. My boys are so comfortable and relaxed around their granny and it’s a joy to see what they get from her and also what joy she gets from them.

Although the times are a little uncertainty right now I wanted to remember Mother’s Day and put a massive shout out for my mum. Amazing support, wisdom and care. Thanks xx

I am offering gift vouchers for Mother’s Day. They can be purchased before Mother’s Day, sent out, dropped through a letter box or sent electronically. Vouchers can be in any denomination.

Shiatsu is a very supportive, nurturing and relaxing treatment – so perfect to treat a well deserving mother or grandmother. It can also be very invigorating and energising, can help with sleep and rest and can ease tension and stress.

Have a look at the pages on this website for further information on Shiatsu and my practice in Exeter. To purchase gift vouchers either head to the ‘Contact Me’ page or call 07791 070837

Is a Relaxing Half Term possible? Maybe with a Shiatsu in Exeter, Devon

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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

Happy half term everyone xx

Supportive Shiatsu for a positive 2020

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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.

Xx

Shiatsu Therapy, Exeter, Devon

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So what is Shiatsu? How does if work?

A client once said ‘It’s not like any massage I’ve ever had.’ It does use massage techniques but is always given through clothes. It is also given on a futon mat on the floor, although can be given on a couch or chair.

Although it isn’t a talking therapy, psycho-therapy or counselling it can release held emotions, traumas, stresses and strains from the body.

Shiatsu is body-work, most definitely and although it comes at things from a different angle to physiotherapy or sports massage, it can still help ease pain and increase mobility.

Shiatsu is energy work. Although it is different to Reiki and other forms of healing it can still help build the levels of energy in the body. Shiatsu can help with the balance of mind and body and spirit.It is an unique form of hands-on therapy that can provide balance in the body. Whether the clients concerns are physical, emotional, mental, spiritual or a bit of all of them, Shiatsu has the ability to re-balance the energy and ease the symptoms. It can be good for aches and pains, for stress and anxiety, for sleep and relaxation.

It is a pretty physical form on therapy, with some great stretches and rotations. Obviously it is only as physical as appropriate for each client. It is a little like Thai or Yoga massage but looks to work the Meridians, lines of energy, that Acupuncture and Acupressure use.

Maybe you have tried various forms of massage and other therapies, Acupuncture, Reflexology for instance. If what you have tried hasn’t scratched your itch, as it were, then you may want to try a session on Shiatsu with me.

I am interested in providing a space for my clients that is safe – where they can feel and express in anyway they want to. Clients have their own stories and journeys and generally want to move on, away from physical issues or leaving behind past habits or upsets. I look to support them to do this by bringing their attention to their bodies, where and how is the body holding trauma and what touch provides relief or release.

I work in Exwick, in Exeter, just behind Exeter St. David’s train station. I offer appointments on most days of the week and I have evening appointments available.

Check out my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/shiatsuinexeter

Have a look at the Shiatsu Society Website http://www.shiatsusociety.org.uk

Thanks for reading