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

Back to Shiatsu then!

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So I sit in an empty house, my children back at school.

I can now offer my regular Shiatsu sessions. Monday to Thursday, 10am, 11 30am and 1.30pm. Tuesday and Wednesday evening appointments also available.

I am a mix of emotions. I wonder if I should be all ok, like the mums who seem thrilled their kids are at school. I’m not, we are not that family.

I am sat here holding anxiety for my kids, not knowing if they need me to do this. I’ve no idea how they are, probably fine!

I have known how they have been for the past 3 months. Being with them every moment has allowed me to watch and support them so closely and now I have no idea how they feel.

I want my kids to be emotionally intelligent, I want them to accept all of themselves. So I need to accept how I am feeling now.

What’s this go to do with Shiatsu?

I spend a lot of time with clients supporting them to accept and honour themselves.

With acceptance come a sense of ownership. Instead of the situation being in control of the person the person can make choices and decisions to help themselves.

I look forward to getting back into a full practice. And I have to say I have enjoyed the quiet space to write this blog, do much easier now the kids are at school!

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

Shiatsu, November and Good News – Exeter, Devon

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After looking at government guidance it’s become clear that I can still offer Shiatsu this month.

Some of my clients had been saying that for them Shiatsu was essential – particularly having had a break from it earlier in the year. And now I can continue to work with them.

Obviously it is good news but what another period of adjustment! First I’m adjusting to the idea of no work – I get used to the idea if a break and now I can work again.

This year has been so much about being able to roll with the punches and make the best of the situation. But it can be tiring though- right?

I also completely understand that for some people staying at home is absolutely the right thing to do – that some people want to wait for a Shiatsu until after this lockdown.

Another theme of this year is that everyone has to do exactly what they feel they want and need to do. We have learned to respect each others choices and decisions. To me this is such a positive thing.

So I’m here if you need me and want to come to me. Otherwise see you in December.

Xx

Shiatsu and Lockdown 2.0 – Exeter, Devon

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Here we go again. A month of lockdown – lite I guess. Still isolating and difficult for a lot of people. Still lots of adjusting and processing to be done.

We are lucky here in Exeter, Devon as there is easy access to beautiful countryside. It’s still difficult not being able to socialise and see family and friends.

I am offering a few different Shiatsu based services over this month. Basically if you need support I am here.

I am offering online Shiatsu support sessions. These are by donation and are about talking through things that are on your mind, along with suggestions for diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

I’m also going to create weekly videos – one Thursday – of Shiatsu based exercises that may help support you.

The first video is one full of exercises to support the Lung energy in the body.

The video is on my Facebook page – it seems it is too large to download onto here.

Have a go at the exercises and let me know how it goes. For those of you still working maybe the weekend is a time to try this?

Please do get in touch if you feel the need to. Email amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk. Mobile 07791 070837

Take care and see you next week

Xx

Shiatsu in November – Exeter, Devon

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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

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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?!

Hello Monday- Autumn is here!

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We’ve woken up to a misty, cool air morning here in Exeter, Devon. Autumn is definitely here and I am looking forward to seeing what patterns occur in my Shiatsu treatments this week.

There are particular Meridians – lines of energy- that relate to each season. When the seasons change often the focus of my treatments changes too.

Autumn is the time that relates to the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians. This is the time to let go and move on.

Both these Meridians are related to the element of Metal. They are around the emotional issues of grief and personal boundaries, along with clarity of mind.

To get going this week – and to get going with Autumn – below is a stretch for the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians. To begin to get into the feel and idea of the Autumn energy.

As with all stretching go gently, listen to your body, don’t push it and warm up and warm down.

Great Shiatsu stretch for Autumn

These two Meridians also enjoy cardiovascular exercise- so get out in the fresh air for a walk. Doesn’t have to be long or fast, choose your pace, listen to your body.

You may also want to do some cleaning and organising (you are not obliged to!) Getting things organised or scrubbing your cupboards is in time with the Metal element and these Meridians.

Have a good week whatever you are getting up to. I’m always here for advice on individual exercises and recommendation.

Xx

Shiatsu, Anxiety and Feeling Off Balance

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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

Cold Remedies for Adults, Kids and Babies – Shiatsu in Exeter

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My kids have already caught a cold at school – just 7 days in they were sniffing and had sore throats.

Obviously we checked that the symptoms were not Covid ones and followed all the correct procedures.

The cold has passed now and they are back to their usual rambunctious selves.

We use a number of natural remedies to support colds in our house. Good old lemon and honey, lots of vitamin C rich foods, turmeric, ginger and garlic. We keep out fluids up with plenty of water, warmed slightly if needs be.

Also I use Shiatsu to support the immune system, clear the sinuses and boost the body’s energy.

I work the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians- lines of energy – that help support the lungs, chest, sinuses, nose and throat.

My favourite point this week has been Lung 7…..

Lung 7 – to support colds, sinusitis, difficulty breathing

It’s quite an easy point to find as its between a tendon and a bone – run your finger down the line towards your wrist – until you hit a natural depression – then you’ve found it.

Gently hold the point with a thumb of finger – see if you can feel what pressure it requires. Intention is important when giving Shiatsu so you may want to think about loosening the sinuses and throat or opening the lungs to allow deep breaths of air in.

This point is good for lung health, colds, sinus issues, asthma, breathing difficulties.

I’m always happy to show people how to locate and use points and can pull together a specific set to suit individual needs.

Lung 7 – good for colds, sinusitis, asthma, breathing difficulties

The weather is still very warm – and summer-like. As this changes, soon, more and more colds and coughs are going to appear. Building up and supporting our immune system is going to be so important.

So get going with ensuring your diet and lifestyle is healthy. Also get in touch if you think Shiatsu can help support you and your family.