Counselling & Shiatsu

Category: shiatsu

  • Shiatsu stretch for spring

    Following on from my blog yesterday, about Spring really starting to happen, here is a stretch which is really good for this time of year. It is a strong stretch so take it gently, listen to your body & only do what feels right. 

    Shiatsu has six stretches that support the twelve meridians, lines of energy in the body. Each stretch supports a pair of meridians, this stretch relates to the wood energy, within the 5 elements, the form of diagnosis that Shiatsu uses. There can be a tightness within these meridians that can make you feel inflexible. You can feel like you are unclear of what direction to take, or that you are unable to adapt emotionally to situations. You may get headaches or eye issues. Stretching is really helpful. It can get the flow of energy moving thriugh the meridians & can help you feel fluid on thought & emotion too.

    Here’s a photo of the stretch. 

    It is possible to do this stretch with only one leg straight & the other folded up. Also if you can’t reach your foot, don’t worry just go as far as is comfortable. Hold the stretch for a couple of slow breathes then repeat on other side. Rotations of the shoulders, back twists & inner thigh stretches are also good for these meridians. 

  • Shiatsu, the Spring & joint pain

    Today has been the first proper spring like day, down here in Exeter, Devon. It felt almost tropical (!) with a temperature of a staggering 15 degrees. Look I know that’s not hot but it’s a good 5 degrees warmer than the last few days.

    I have been confined to the house for most the week, thanks to a sick child, so stepping out today felt extra surprising. We headed to the allotment, which me & my boys love. Within minutes we were stripped to t-shirts, water fights were taking place & seeds were being planted. Happy Spring days.

    I am not as young as I used to be, I do generally keep fit & healthy. However my knees ached when I knelt over the strawberry patch, trying to weed. Also my shoulders & neck have been more stiff than usual recently & my hip felt sore as we walked home.

    I have noticed within my Shiatsu massage treatments that the meridians, lines of energy in the body, that relate to the Spring time of year, have started to be more present in a majority of my clients. It happens at the time every year & always takes me by surprise. It shouldn’t, I know, but my clients diagnosis changes, just for a bit around now.

    The meridians that relate to this time of year govern decision making, planning & plotting, they have symtoms including headaches, eye problems & sore joints! So no surprise that my joints ache more than usual then. 

    The spring energy is very strong & it is easy to get carried away in the excitement of some warm weather & more energy. Bit like my boys with their water fight, they soaked each other, ran around laughing then five minutes later they were both crying, cold & uncomfortable & upset with each other. Spring is the time for planning & planting ideas, not for trying to acheive too much. There will be warmer weather & longer days to do that, later in the year.

    If you think Shiatsu may be able something you’d like to try get in touch through the ‘contact me’ page. I work in Exeter, Devon on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s & Saturday’s.

  • & relax….have a Shiatsu

    Photo’s of my peaceful & relaxing Shiatsu massage practice room in Exwick, Exeter, Devon

    & a photo of a brilliant lower back stretch

    I practice Shiatsu massage on tuesday’s, Wednesday’s & Saturday’s – you can get in touch through the contact me page. Also like my Facebook page for details of events & special offers.

  • Supported Shiatsu 

    It is important to feel comfortable when having a Shiatsu massage. As it is given on a futon mat on the floor some pepple may feel that they arent gojmg to able to have a Shiatsu massage. If it some possible to get to the floor seated Shiatsu is possible. If a client can get to the floor there are various positions that they can lie in, to ensure comfort. They can also be supported in various ways. Cushions can be placed to ease tension.

    A large roll can be placed under the knees to support any discomfort in the lower back.

    Shiatsu can be given with the client lying in their side. This can support clients with back pain or hip or shoulder issues. 


    Shiatsu massage is fairly adaptable & is suitable for all. It is possible to work on the body in many differnet ways & still get a great affect, the client feeling relaxed but energized. It is also possible to work an injury or condition without working right on the specific area. This can be really helpful if the area is painful or inflamed or if the client is unable to lie in the most ideal position. 
    I work in Exwick, Exeter, in a quiet & peaceful practice room. I work Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s & Saturday’s. I offer appointments on Wednesday evenings for those who work. To discuss please contact me through the ‘contact me’ page. 

  • What you can expect from a Shiatsu massage, here in Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu sessions are an hour long with a good 40-45 minute hands-on. The session begins with a consultation about the client’s health. There are 5 minutes at the end to allow the client to ‘come round’ from the treatment. 

    Shiatsu massage is given on a futon mat, on the floor. It can be given seated if it isn’t possible to get to the floor. The client is fully clothed, so it’s important to wear comfy clothing. The client just has to relax, they may have to move to a new position on the floor or take some deep breaths, but generally they can just lie, relax & enjoy.

    Each Shiatsu massage is different. The treatment focusses on what the client needs then. The practitioner follows what they feel through their touch. There will quiet relaxing work & some stretches & rotations as well.

    Clients have said thay they have felt different things whilst the Shiatsu is taking place. They may feel a sensation in a different part of their body to the part being working on. They have said that they have felt emotions that they have not felt for a long time or that have surprised them. They have felt ‘good pain!’ Where the massage really hits the spot.

    After the Shiatsu massage the client may feel tired & a little spaced-out. This generally passes quickly, however sometimes a client can feel tired for a while, because they are actually very tired but have continued tp push through, the Shiatsu has made them realise how they really feel. 

    Shiatsu massage continues to have an affect for a couple of days, so rest is good, to make the most of the treatment. If there is a specific issue it is often worth having a cluster of treatments close together, then spreading them out a little as the condition begins to ease or becomes manageable. 

    If you would like to discuss if Shiatsu may be of help to you the get in tiu2ch through the ‘contact me’ page.

  • How can Shiatsu help? 

    I have clients visit me for Shiatsu massage, here in Exeter, for a large number of conditions & complaints. I have had some great, positive feedback letting me know that the client has found their massage treatment really helpful. 

    There is some medical research that can be found on the Shiatsu Society website, particulary supporting shiatsu for health & well-being benefits & for helping to ease the need for excess medication & at times. 

    What I have found in my Shiatsu massage practice is that clients have found Shiatsu successful in supporting them to make changes that they want to, in their lives. That it helps them have a sense of motivation & that it can give a sense of ease & flow. Shiatsu has had success in relieving symptoms for my clients of lower back ache, hip & pelvic pain & Sciatica & knee pain. My clients have also found Shiatsu relaxing but also invigorating & energizing. 

    Shiatsu massage treatments continue to work for a couple of days after the actual session. Clients have found they can feel a renewed sense of focus & drive. They have expressed that symptoms have been relieved for a period of time, short or long, or permanently. 

    If you suffer from any of the above & would like to discuss then do getn in touch, through the ‘contact me’ page. If you have symptoms of conditions that I have not mentioned than also get in touch. I haven’t mentioned everything clients have come for & Shiatsu is suitable for all, so it may well be anle to help you. 

    You can follow me on twitter – @amyhinks or see more on my Facebook page. 

     

  • Shiatsu & balance

    Right now I am sat in a darkened room, whilst my young son sleeps.  He is ill, with some cold, cough, high temperature combo & has a level of distress when he wakes. So here I am waiting incase he needs comfort. This is, at least, giving me some time to be still & think. 

    Like most people I seem to be constantly on the go, rushing around trying to complete a list of ‘highly important’ tasks. Don’t tell anyone but actually this enforced stillness is quite enjoyable. A moment out of routine & some stillness. Obvious I I have filled some of the time writing a blog! 

    This time has helped me remember to stop when possible, to rest & to enjoy quiet. It’ll be over too soon anyhow. Children make a sudden recovery often, leaving you to catch up as they get up to full speed in a matter of minutes it seems.

    Balance is so important, rest gives us the energy to be active. Busy lives should allow us to enjoy & make the  most of rest. Shiatsu massage can help our bodies succumb to deep rest & also energize us for our daily lives. If you are interested in finding out more then get in touch through the contact me page. I am always happy to discuss Shiatsu. 

  • Money off March – Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Just a reminder that I have a Shiatsu special offer on this month. I now work on Tuesday afternoons, as well as my regular Wednesday afternoons & evenings & Saturday mornings. To celebrate I am offering 10% off any Shiatsu massage booked on a Tuesday afternoon, in March.

    Shiatsu massage is suitable for all, it is tailored to the person so can feel like its really ‘hitting the spot.’ I have had clients come for a whole variety of reasons, physical discomfort or pain, emotional distress or personal issues, mental support & pre-natal support. Shiatsu can be effective at relieving many different symptoms. I am always happy to talk Shiatsu so do get in touch to discuss, through the contact me page.

    Shiatsu massage is relaxing but also invigorating. I work in a quiet & calm practice room in Exwick, Exeter, Devon. It is is really easy to get to, by car, bus or train. If nothing else Shiatsu massage is some time out, some ‘me time’ & a chance to just be. If you are free on a Tuesday afternoon then may be its time to try it out with this offer? 

  • Spring, Shiatsu & some sun!

    Spring, Shiatsu & some sun!

    March 1st yesterday is supposedly the first day of Spring –  the weather wasn’t having it – it was cold, damp & miserable. Today the weather was playing ball, it was sunny & warmer & felt very Spring like. We managed to make it to the allotment even, & planted some potatoes.

    It’s so lovely to have some warmth in the air. The seasons feel like they are really starting to change & this is such a special time of the year. A time where we come out of Winter & into Spring.

    Spring, within 5 elements, one diagnosis tool of Shiatsu massage, says that Spring is a time for planting ideas, for planning & scheming. It is not time to act or to expect fruition of our ideas. It is in the Summer that our ideas will begin to realize.

    If we have had enough rest in the Winter Spring is a time of fluidity & flow, like a tree moving gently in the wind. The opposite is a feeling of being stuck in the rut, or a sense of tightness, frustration & anger.

    Shiatsu massage is helpful, it can help give a sense of flow back to the body & mind. It can give a good sense of rest & can can help release anger or frustration. If you would like to discuss if Shiatsu massage could help support you then please get in touch, through the ‘contact me’ page.

    So the weather was lovely today but another wet & cold weather front is due over night, so not quite Spring yet & still time to rest!

     

  • March Shiatsu offer

    Wow March already! Time flies right? This month I am starting to work on Tuesday afternoons as well as my usual days. To celebrate this I am offering 10% off in March if you book on a Tuesday afternoon. You can contact me through the ‘contact me’ page or ring on 07791 070837. I am a ways happy to talk Shiatsu massage. I work in Exwick, Exeter, Devon. My practice room is lovely & quiet, it’s peaceful & cosy.