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