Shiatsu, Nature and Sanity Exeter, Devon

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No actually paid Shiatsu happening still. I can’t wait to get back to work but looking like I’m going to have to be patient for a while longer.

In the meanwhile I have been using Shiatsu to support myself and my family.

I have used Shiatsu to help me digest – after a large meal! I have used it to keep my energy flowing. I have used it to ground and centre myself – amongst external turmoil.

I have used it to calm the kids when they are hurt or upset. I have used it to help their digestion and to calm before sleep.

I have used Shiatsu to boost my husband’s energy and to loosen tight muscles and joints.

On top of Shiatsu I have found getting out into nature has been a real tonic.

I know this isn’t possible for everyone but the boys, my husband and I have loved our natute hunts and discoveries.

I have appreciated the slower pace that we can go when out – this allows the space to spot things we may have just whizzed past previously.

I have relished watching spring take place – plants blossoming and new life emerging.

I have always known that getting out into fresh air and connecting with nature makes me feel good. In these strange times it has helped me feel grounded and stay calm when there is uncertainty and anxiety around me.

In can be easy to lose contact with nature and the seasons. An easy exercise is to stand, or walk, outside with no shoes on for a few minutes. Another idea is to go for a walk and look for small things – what can you see when you look closely.

We haven’t been able to get into proper nature do everything we have found has been close to our house in Exeter.

So no real Shiatsu practice, to regulate and support myself, but a settled and happy family routine and LOTS of nature!

Xx

Shiatsu and the art of Intuition – Exeter, Devon

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Yesterday I was watering the allotment. This involves carrying two watering cans, a fair distance, a number of times……

When I do this I think about my Shiatsu training and the idea of ‘coming from Hara.’ This is the abdominal area and all my movements when giving a treatment ideally come from this area.

Whilst training I remember trying to do every task from Hara – washing-up, gardening, hoovering – one fellow student even tried to brush her teeth from Hara 😁😂😁

Why is Hara such an important focus in Shiatsu?

In Shiatsu it is the centre of energy in the body.
In a treatment my energy flow is at it’s best when it comes from the Hara. This in turn helps the flow of energy in the client’s body.

It represents the ‘Intuition’ rather than the ‘analytical.’ In a treatment it is a grounded and quiet space. This helps the client to feel safe and secure. It also allows me to hear what treatment the body is asking for.

How is the Hara relevant to everyone?

Often in a treatment it becomes clear that either the client is caught up in their own thoughts – constantly using their analytical brain – or that their life demands they use their analytical brain a lot.

I often suggest to a client that sitting quietly and connecting to their Hara (their intuition) may help still their mind – and may also generate more energy across their whole body.

A good exercise to begin to connect with the Hara is to practice some deep breathing. Taking slow deep breaths right down into the belly area.

Also taking a moment to sit quietly before deciding on a decision. What is your ‘gut’ saying? What is the quiet, centred area of your body saying? What is your Hara saying?

This maybe useful as we head out of lockdown. There is likely to be more decisions to make – and maybe coming from Hara can help.

Xx

For more information on my practice you may like to head to my Facebook page – http://www.facebook.com/shiatsuinexeter

For more information on Shiatsu you may like to head to the Shiatsu Society page – http://www.shiatsusociety.org

Bladder & Kidney Meridians, Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

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Shiatsu is a hands-on therapy, given through clothes. It uses the same points & meridians (lines of energy) that Acupuncture & Acupressure use. The meridians are name after organs of the body, although they also relate to emotions & physical areas of the body. An imbalance in a meridian does not mean that there is an issue with the organ, it can mean there are other physical issues, or mental or emotional imbalances.

Shiatsu looks to balance the energy in the meridians, supporting & holding the ones that are low of energy & working more strenuously the ones that are tight or full of energy.

The bladder & kidney meridians are commonly the meridians that are low of energy, they relate to tiredness & pushing ourselves too much. Signs that the bladder or kidney meridian is out of balance are black bags under the eyes, sore lower back, needing the go to the toilet lots & poor sleep patterns. There are lots of other symptoms too.

A lot, if not all, of my Shiatsu treatments involve working these two meridians. They are our resource, that supports the other meridians & the body. They are lovely to have worked, & to work on, the treatment is often deep, slow & quiet, deeply relaxing.

There are ways that you can support your own Kidney & Bladder energy:

  • Rest whenever possible
  • Get as much sleep as you can
  • Take time each day to meditate or sit quietly
  • Limit hot, sweet or spicey foods
  • Limit alcohol & caffeine intake
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Hold kidney 1 pressure point before bed- see picture below.

Shiatsu is really good at raising energy levels, supporting tiredness & fatigue & boosting the kidney & bladder meridians. It is relaxing & soothing to have, it eases the body & the mind, afterwards it can provide more energy, drive & focus.

I offer Shiatsu in Exwick, Exeter. I also have pop-up clinics in Exmouth & Dawlish. Im always happy to discuss Shiatsu so do get in touch through the ‘Contact Me’ page.

Xx

Shiatsu Massage tasters this Sunday, Exeter, Devon

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I’m going to be giving tasters of Shiatsu at an event on Sunday. It’s being held at the Victory Hall, in Broadclyst & they’ll be lots of other therapists offering tasters & plenty of stalls to browse.

Tasters are a really good, & affordable, way to get an idea of what a Shiatsu involves, what it feels like to have, what effect it can have.

Broadclyst isn’t far from Exeter, where I practice Shiatsu. It is easy to find the hall & there is plenty of free parking nearby.

The event is on from 10.30 until 4.30. Details of the event can be found here

Shiatsu massage touch

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Shiatsu massage is a very unique & special form of touch. I think this photo gives an idea of the type of touch you receive in a Shiatsu massage treatment.

Shiatsu massage meets the client how & where they want to be met. Every Shiatsu session is different, reacting to how the person is in that moment. The practioner listens & follows what they feel as they give the hands on treatment. It is a nurturing & caring touch, supportive & present in its energy. 

I offer Shiatsu in Exeter, Devon & I work in a quiet & calm practice room in Exwick. You can contact me through the contact me page, to discuss if Shiatsu may be of benefit to you or to book a treatment. You may also want to have a look at my Facebook page or follow me on instagram @shiatsubyamy. If you want more information you could have a look at the Shiatsu society website or have the other pages on this site.

Shiatsu massage & the season’s – Exeter, Devon

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Hints of spring were starting to show, & now we have gone right back to mid winter & we have snow!


A cold, dark & serious winter day down here in Devon. Just a flurry of snow in Exeter so we headed up to Dartmoor to find more. The cold really reminded me that we have to be careful at this time of year. It is such a joy when the spring really begins, the temperature rises & things seem to happen with more ease. If we start trying to do too much too soon in the year we are at risk of using up energy that we should be storing. So this afternoon we left the snow & wind outside & we kept warm inside, making pizza & drawing pictures. 

If you are interested in finding out if Shiatsu may be able to help you please contact me through the contact me page.

Stuck in a rut? Try Shiatsu

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Feeling stuck in a rut is something most of us feel at least once in our lives. A sense of treading the same path over & over, not moving forwards & not feeling positive. Shiatsu massage can help start moving the energy in the body, with the flow of energy come the fluidity of thought & process, things can begin to ease & shift.

As Shiatsu massage is a hands-on therapy it can bypass the mind & the mental aspect, there is no need for discussion, to assess the situation or think up solutions. The mind can become stilled & calm, the client can focus on the sensations they feel as the Shiatsu massage takes place. 

So without discussion the process of movement & flow can begin, the body holds so much of our emotions & stresses & strains, as they relesse the client may begin to feel a lightness & an easiness in their movements & thoughts. Life seems to be a little easier & change a little more achievable.

There are a set of stretches that are designed to support Shiatsu massage, that people can use at home to help keep the flow of energy. This is a stretch that is great for people who feel stuck in a rut. It is a strong stretch so it’s important to be gentle & listen to your body. 


If you try this & find it helps then maybe you would like to book a Shiatsu massage. My contact details are on the contact me page. 

Stretches to support Shiatsu massage – Exeter, Devon

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Here is another stretch that is designed to support the meridians (lines of energy in the body) that Shiatsu massage works with. This stretch is for the meridians that are within the Earth element, within the 5 element diagnosis tool that Shiatsu massage uses. The Earth energy is about nurturing & feeding yourself, both with healthy food & feeding the mind with healthy learning. The Earth energy is about be kind & supportive so when completing the stretch it’s important to listen to your body & only go as far as you feel you are able to. Pushing this stretch may hurt your body and have no positive effect on your Earth energy. A gentle approach is important with this stretch, as is protecting your back, it’s a must to stretch forward after completing this stretch.

If you would like to know more about this stretch or how Shiatsu massagemay help you please do contact me – I’m always happy to talk Shiatsu. Details are on the contact me page. 

cleaning, colds & Shiatsu 

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This year I have managed to catch a record number of colds & coughs. Mostly this is thanks to my young children, one who has now started school & seems to be excellent at bringing home every bug possible. Also due to my small children, I am always busy & often tired so don’t have the best immune system with which to fight this seemingly endless battle.

Anyway you get the idea,  lots of different cold bugs this year & I’ve caught them all. What has been interesting is that I have had enough colds to noticed a pattern. Every time I have had a cold I have begun to clean & organise parts of the house. I scrubbed the kitchen units & floor yesterday for instance, I have re-organised my wardrobe & filed paperwork away in our filing cabinet. The later is almost unheard of. I questioned if I was nesting, like heavily pregnant women do, but I then realised it was more clinical & exact, about having order & structure.

Within the diagnosis structure that Shiatsu uses, Traditional Chinese Medicine, cleaning & organising relate to the Metal element – which govern, along with other things, the lungs & the large intestines. Symptoms relevant to this element  include colds & coughs. Positive activities for someone with low metal energy include, guess what, cleaning & organising. As is often the case my body was clear about what was needed to support me with my colds. 

It you are interested in what diagnosis Shiatsu may give you or you have questions about this form of massage therapy then please get in touch with me, through the contact me page. I offer Shiatsu treatments in Exeter, Devon. I work in a quiet calm treatment room in Exwick, Exeter. I work Wednesday afternoon’s & Saturday morning’s. I will soon alsp offer appointments on Tuesday afternoons.