Counselling & Shiatsu

Category: stress

  • Autumn Celebrations

    October is flying by!…..I have a week off from Shiatsu and Counselling coming up. Half term shenanigans with the family will commence!

    I also have a (big) birthday coming up 😁🎂😁 Party prep in full mode and excitement building. I feel really ready to celebrate, with cake and dancing.

    It’s all happening at the same time (always seems to be the way, right?) I have my counselling graduation in the same week 🎓😃

    Lots going on right now….but mostly though I want to be hibernating 🤣

    Feels like the energy has changed and we’re heading towards the time for quiet, reflection and rest.

    I like this about the winter months and try, although life continues at a pace, to retreat, cosy up and lie fallow.

    I find that Shiatsu and Counselling sessions change with the seasons a little as well.

    In both Counselling and Shiatsu this is a great time to review where we think we are and practise listening to what our bodies need.

    Our bodies can tune into the seasonal changes. If we can trust them they can help us fall into relaxation, help us switch our minds off, or at least slow them down.

    In the meanwhile I imagine October is going to be over before I know it!…..BUT in between the busy times and the fun I plan some slumbering, some snoozing and some relaxation…..

    I have a few spaces available next week for Shiatsu and w/c 4th.

    I am always happy to talk Counselling and Shiatsu – so do contact me with any questions or queries.

    Xx

  • Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Good Monday Morning! How is your week shaping up?

    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.

  • Shiatsu and Counselling- Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu and Counselling- Exeter, Devon

    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

    Xx

  • Shiatsu No Matter the Weather

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    Shiatsu No Matter the Weather
    The weather has been a bit turbulent - and so has life - Starting to step out and get going again
  • Shiatsu in the Springtime

    Shiatsu in the Springtime

    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

  • Shiatsu in November – Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu in November – Exeter, Devon

    I am loving the Autumn sunshine as I prepare for 3 very busy days of work – before life gets quieter and slower again.

    I am here in November if you need me. I’m offering Zoom support sessions and personalised exercise and lifestyle videos. All by donation of course.

    Plus I will be making exercise videos to promote motivation and relaxation – to support anxiety and mental and emotional stress. Hoping to do these at least weekly and they’ll be on my Facebook page

    Also Shiatsu can offer an interesting perspective on what is helpful and not helpful when looking to support oneself. I am offering personalise health charts, based on the 5 element system of diagnosis. These could be a good present idea for friends and family as well as good for you as an individual.

    Hopefully I’ll see a lot of you virtually this month and 🤞 in person in December.

    I’m here if you need me xx

  • Trying Shiatsu for the first time

    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?!

  • Shiatsu, Anxiety and Feeling Off Balance

    Shiatsu, Anxiety and Feeling Off Balance

    2020 has been a year to test us all. So many changes and uncertainties – and it doesn’t look like it’s going to ease up any time soon.

    It’s not a surprise that many people are feeling off balance, stressed and anxious. The pandemic has affected everyone’s personal life in some way, be it concern for one’s self or a family member’s health, financial difficulties, work uncertainties or excessive work and stress.

    A lot of my work is supporting people through tough times – helping them manage symptoms of anxiety, along with stress and depression at times.

    Shiatsu is a naturally supportive therapy and I’ve created a safe and secure environment. It’s a space where clients can connect to their feelings and concerns without any pressure or expectation.

    Here is the story of one of my recent clients Shiatsu journey.

    The client was feeling anxious a lot of the time and suffering with panic attacks. This in turn was negetively affecting their appetite, with lack of nutrition the mental distress became worse and the cycle continued.

    The client arrived for their first session of Shiatsu in a heightened level of anxiety.

    I worked on balancing the energy in the body, supporting a good flow throughout. I worked on calming and supporting the central nervous system and settling the mind.

    After the first session the client’s anxiety levels were more manageable. Although they still had some panic attacks they were much less frequent.

    I continued to support the flow of energy in the body, along with boosting their energy levels and settling the mind and nervous system.

    After two sessions the client’s anxiety was completely manageable. Then after a couple more sessions the panic attacks eased completely.

    I also focused on the client’s digestive system which now works more smoothly and appetite levels have become consistent. I suggested probiotics to support the gut. With weight gain and better digestion the client feels calmer and in control of their situation.

    Throughout the process we looked at gentle exercises and life-style changes that would support a calmer mind and body. For instance I suggested walking barefoot outside, a great grounding exercise, bringing energy and attention away from the mind.

    At the moment I am offering normal Shiatsu sessions with at least 45 minutes hands-on work. I have extra measures in place, following government guidance, to ensure my practice is Covid safe.

    Right now I’m also offering face to face appointments with no hands-on work – a Shiatsu support session. These sessions are for exploring a client’s anxiety and why they feel off balance. They involve discussion and then suggestions of exercises and lifestyle changes that may help alleviate symptoms.

    If you are feeling nervous about getting close to others then a face to face support session may work for you.

    If you are self-isolating, or want to stay at home, but still need support then I am offering video Shiatsu support sessions. These, again, involve a discussion and then suggestions of self-shiatsu that may help, along with suggested exercises and lifestyle changes.

    I am able to create individual videos for clients, showing exercises and Shiatsu points that may help them specifically.

    I take great pleasure in watching clients begin to be back in control of their emotions and their situation. Then there are more possibilities and options open to the client and change can take place

    If you would like to know more about how Shiatsu maybe able to support you then get in touch. 07791 070837 amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk

  • Shiatsu Support for Anxiety, Stress and Depression – Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu Support for Anxiety, Stress and Depression – Exeter, Devon

    My clients come for Shiatsu for all number of reasons; tension, chronic pain, injuries, back issues, big life changes; emotional issues.

    I enjoy working with all conditions and concerns and love my clients for taking responsibility for their health and coming for healing treatments.

    The biggest percentage of clients who come to me are suffering from either Anxiety, Stress or Depression. For whatever reason their mental health is out of balance and they feel unsettled and out of control of their mental and emotional being.

    A lot of these clients come through word of mouth. I have had some really positive outcomes and those clients suggest to others in a similar situation to try Shiatsu.

    I have suffered with Depression, Anxiety and Stress, to varying levels over my life. I have natural compassion and understanding of those with these conditions.

    Each Shiatsu therapist is different, enjoying working different areas, complaints or conditions that interest them most. I enjoy supporting people to manage and move on from their emotional difficulties.

    The Shiatsu I offer is emotionally sensitivity, I am able to sense the emotions of a client in their body. This allow me to identify them for the client, working to release them physically and mentally, both with hands-on work and verbal discussion with the client.

    Shiatsu has a framework that allows me to coach an individual on diet and lifestyle changes, helping them support themselves between treatments.

    As a hands-on therapy Shiatsu can help a client understand how their emotions affect their physical body. This can help them gain perspective and move forward away from their emotional distress.

    I feel so privileged to be able to facilitate people to make positive changes to their health and well-being. Lucky me!

    Xx

  • Shiatsu in the Shiatsu Shed – Exeter, Devon

    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 energy
    Working the occipital ridge with client in side position- to ease tension in the head
    Working the upper and middle back – to help with back ache, tension and flow of energy
    Loosening 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