Counselling & Shiatsu

Category: sleeping

  • Shiatsu massage for motivation & focus

    Here we are again on a Sunday evening. Lots of us are running around preparing for Monday & the week ahead. I have chosen to take a break from the organising to write this blog! 

    Sunday evenings used to fill me with dread – the feeling used to creep up on me from mid morning, building to its strongest as I tried to get to sleep on a Sunday evening. I had a stressful & not particularly happy-making job. I had chosen to take the job so that I could make the move back to Devon from the Manchester area but the pay off was a long commute on slow, winding Devon roads & a job that was unthankful & relentless when I finally got there. The pay was ok & pretty good for Devon but I spent a majority of it on petrol & car upkeep, then had very little time to spend the rest of it in. 

    I was unsure how I would be able to change my situation, I couldn’t see any options & felt trapped. Sunday evenings were the worst. Not long after starting this job I began my Shiatsu training, the first few months of the 3 year diploma course that I completed in 2010.  I started to do energy work consistently for the first time in my life. I had done yoga & tai chi & meditation at times but I threw myself into my Shiatsu practice & the exercise & meditation to support it.

    I began to feel a fluidity that I hadn’t felt for a long time, I started to see options & opportunities to make changes. I began to feel healthy in body & mind & started to have more energy. I felt more focused & driven & able to take advantage of what opportunities life showed up. Within the first year of my Shiatsu course I had found a new, happier & lot less stressful job. I felt supported & respected by my employer. I did unfortunately spilt with my partner but actually this was a positive change, if not sad at the time.  I made new friends & found new interests.

    I really believe in Shiatsu massage as a form of therapy that can support people to make changes that they hope or wish to make. I have had clients who have felt stuck, who have then felt more movement & energy after their Shiatsu & have been able to implement changes in their lives. 

    If you are feel the ‘Sunday fear’ & feel it’s time to see if you can find a new path then maybe Shiatsu massage will be able to help. It can really transform lives. Get in touch through the ‘contact me’ page or my Facebook page. I work in Exwick, Exeter, Devon on Tuesday’s,  Wednesday’s & Saturday’s. 

  • Shiatsu event – North Devon – April

    Here’s a reminder that I will be at this event next month. Offering sessions of Shiatsu for just £15. 

    You can book in advance here North Devon Mind Body Soul Festival

     You can see more about the event here Facebook event

  • 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? 

  • 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.

      

  • Shiatsu Events, Exeter & Devon

    I have officially booed my first event of the year – you may be aware of this one.

    I will be offering long Shiatsu taster sessions for just £15. You can click here to view details of the event & book sessions with me in advance. Please let anyone you think maybe interested know about this event.

    I have also just applied to work again at the St Thomas festival again this year. Love this event. It’s just in the planning stages now but you can watch the event’s progress here. 

    There are also other events in the pipe line. It’s a joy giving Shiatsu to lots of people at these events, those new to Shiatsu & others revisiting it.

    If there are any events in Exeter or Devon that you know of that you think Shiatsu would be good at then do please let me know. 
     

  • Shiatsu on a Saturday?

    I offer Shiatsu massage on Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s & Saturday morning’s. At the moment the most popular day is Wednesday. At times Saturday’s have been incredibly popular & I can understand why – our jobs & lives are so busy & there are so many demands on us. At the end of a tough week a Shiatsu is a great treat. 

    If you are interested in taking advantage of the lull on Saturday’s then do get in touch. As is always the case the ebb & flow will change & it’ll be another day that is my quietest. Contact me through the contact me page.