My goodness these are pretty crazy times we are living in right now. I am loving the kindness that people are showing, looking to protect the vulnerable. I am not loving the fear-mongering news coverage or the me-first panic-buying.
We all have older or vulnerable people in our lives and it’s so hard to know exactly how to keep them safe from catching the virus.
If you, or someone you know, catches Coronavirus you may want try the points I have pulled together.
These Shiatsu points (same as Acupuncture and Acupressure points) are for coughs, lung issues, excess phlegm and breathlessness.
The points in the video may be useful for other common colds or lung issues you or those around you maybe suffering with.
I am always happy to give more detail if you would like it. Feel free to contact me and I can send further videos or arrange a Skype call.
Also I can provide more individual points or exercises if needs be. Whatever concerns or issues you may have there are points or exercises, that you can use at home, that maybe able to help.
Stay safe everyone – in this unusual situation – and please contact me if you’d like to discuss how I may be able to offer distance support.
I am still here – offering Shiatsu in Exwick, Exeter. This gentle form of therapy can help boost the immune system and ease high levels of stress. Both useful in these crazy Corona Virus times.
There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment and this can easily affect small businesses, like mine and many others.
I have had a cancellation tomorrow – Monday 16th at 11.30. Plus the, generally popular, 7pm appointment on a Tuesday is available this week – 17th.
I am offering sessions at these times for a reduced price of £35. If you can make either time then do email to book – amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk
Another way to support my business would be to buy a gift voucher – maybe for mother’s day? Or for a friend or loved one. Vouchers can be used at any time, so won’t go out of date.
Shiatsu is very supportive an relaxing to have – it can be a great space to ease he mental strain of the uncertainty we are facing. It is also pretty enjoyable to receive!
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
In my Exeter Shiatsu practice I have recently started working on Fertility with a couple of clients. I learnt how to use Shiatsu to support Infertility in my training a number of years ago, and was lucky enough to study with a teacher who specialises in this area. So when the opportunity came to work in this area I eagerly dug out my study notes, began further research and talked to other therapists who work in this field.
Shiatsu can support Fertility as well as Acupuncture or Reflexology can. There are a number of pressure points on the body, the same points used in Acupuncture, that help infertility specifically. There are also points to help support regular menstruation cycles and menstruation itself. There are points for good circulation and to help balance hormonal functions. All important when looking to conceive.
Shiatsu can also support male Fertility. Again there are specific points to help with this, along with ways to boost general energy and well-being. Ensuring that both partners are in the best shape possible.
I have really enjoyed working with the clients. Along with the Shiatsu we have looked at diet and lifestyle. Eating well and avoiding toxins in your diet is a really good start, in sessions I work closely with the client to make changes to their diet specifically. Shiatsu has a close connection to a form of exercise called Qi Gong, which is similar to Tai Chi. There are Qi Gong exercises that help support the work done in a Shiatsu session. Again I can give advice to clients on what specific exercises may help them
Shiatsu originates from Japan and therefore is based in eastern medical theory. When working with any clients Shiatsu looks to balance the body through using hands-on work, always given through clothes and generally on a futon mat on the floor. When a body is in balance then it’s in the best position to conceive.
Shiatsu can also help with the emotional and mental aspects of wanting to conceive but facing Infertility. It isn’t easy to face this situation and being able to release some of the tension and strain can bring an immense sense of relief. Shiatsu is deeply relaxing and can nurture healthy sleep and rest patterns. All of this can be very helpful when looking to conceive.
The number and frequency of Shiatsu sessions will be dependent on the individual case. I may see female clients at ovulation and in the pre-menstrual days. Regular sessions are important for both male and female clients. I work in Exeter, Devon, most days of the week and offer evening and daytime appointments.
Do contact me if you would like to discuss Shiatsu for Fertility. You can use the ‘Contact Me’ page on this site. You can also contact me on amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk
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
‘Self Care’ is a real buzz term at the moment and I am pleased that it is. Whatever self care means to you it has to be important to take care of your own needs, right?
As a mum of two rather boisterous boys, who keep my husband and I on our toes all day, I understand the impact on my body and mind of a busy life. As a single person I had the time to give myself attention and care for my needs. Now when I have less time it’s even more vital to care for myself.
I constantly meet clients who have busy lives with others around them, that they care for. These clients have realised that the cannot care for others if they have no energy and resource left. They have come to have Shiatsu to get some support and care and attention.
Often these clients are in the process of building a structure of self care and want Shiatsu to be part of it. They have felt guilt and come up against practical limitations but have understood they do need time, space and care for themselves
Understandably I use Shiatsu as my support system. It is naturally caring and nurturing. It works on the system of Meridians (lines of energy) the Acupuncture uses. With Shiatsu I can boost my levels of energy, I can calm my thoughts, I can exercise my body to suit the day, time and my mood.
Because Shiatsu is so great as a support tool I have created a Self Care Shiatsu Course. In this course I introduce the principles of Shiatsu, show simple exercises to support one’s self care and techniques that can be used on friends and family.
The next Self Care course is this Sunday. I hold it in my wooden cabin, fondly known as the ‘Shiatsu Shed.’ I limit numbers so that the support and guidance is at a real high level. I also tailor the course to the needs of the specific participants. I ask for areas they would like to focus on and adapt the course accordingly.
Shiatsu is a nurturing and supportive form of therapy. It is a relaxing and enjoyable form of hands-on therapy, a form of massage through clothes. Shiatsu is also great for providing a structure of support for oneself.
In my Shiatsu treatments I nearly always provide recommendations to he client. These maybe around diet or lifestyle and can help the client support themselves between treatments.
I use Shiatsu to support myself and my family. It can be great to calm and ease distress for the kids. It also provides a structure for me to care for myself.
I have designed a course that introduces the principles of Shiatsu, so it can be use on oneself and on one’s friends and family. The course also introduces concepts within Shiatsu that can allow a great self care routine to happen.
If we don’t care for ourselves how do we care for those around us. If we actively take time to experience how we are and where we are we can gain perspective on our situation. With mindful care of ourselves come changes and personal growth. This benefits us but also those around us.
The next Shiatsu Self Care course is on Sunday 26th January. Details of the course can be found here
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.
I love this time of year, the mid winter celebration makes me feel connected to the season as well as warm and fuzzy.
A few days ago we took the time, as a family, to head out to the woods in search of holly and ivy. We came back after a blustery and cheek warming walk with fir branches and berry-festooned holly.
I love bringing these natural decorations into the house, along with the real Christmas tree we lovingly care for throughout the year. It is another way to connect to the season.
I do have some time off from Shiatsu and will be back from the 6th January. In the meanwhile here’s some tips to boost your energy for the festivities:
1. Drink fresh ginger tea – warms the kidneys – they help everything else work
2. Take some time out for meditation and reflection – quiet rest is the way to go at this time of year
3. Wear a scarf! Chills in the neck will result in sore necks and shoulders but also will zap the body of vital resource
Counselling & Shiatsu 