Shiatsu is a bodywork therapy that combines the ancient Japanese art of Amna massage, Zen philosophy, and Chinese acupressure and diagnosis, originating from classical Far Eastern medicine.
During Shiatsu, our nervous system is induced into a state of deep relaxation, which aids the body's healing and regeneration processes. The therapy also releases emotional tensions and blockages from muscles, tissues, and organs by applying pressure to acupressure points and so-called Tsubos, working along the meridians associated with individual organs. The therapist also uses rotational movements and gentle stretches along the meridians to support the circulation of Ki (energy or life force) and nourish the tissues. Studies have shown that many acupressure points are so-called analgesic points, meaning that their stimulation eliminates the sensation of pain.
Depending on the patient's needs, Shiatsu sessions can also be supported by Clean Language session (Clean Language). This is a method based on research by neurobiologists and discoveries in cognitive linguistics regarding how the human brain works. Through a sequence of specifically formulated „clean” (suggestion-free) questions, the patient finds unique metaphors and images to describe states of mind, emotions, and the body. This, in turn, leads to the neurological integration of the right and left hemispheres of the brain with the body, which develops awareness of what is happening in our organism and supports regeneration and the release of pain or difficult emotions.
The combination of these two methods offers many benefits.. This can have the effect of, for example:
– increase in energy levels and vitality,
– a positive change in attitude towards the world and self-affirmation,
– relief from states of emotional tension caused by stress,
– reduction of anxiety, intrusive negative thoughts,
– giving up bad habits
– significant improvement in sleep quality.
In combination with Clean Language, Shiatsu treatments provide relief from chronic pain, for example, in muscles and joints (including those of an autoimmune nature). Shiatsu can also help with hormonal disorders, as well as symptoms accompanying menopause, such as hot flushes or drenching sweats. In individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, or multiple sclerosis, a slowing down of disease progression and an overall improvement in quality of life has been noted.
What to expect from Shiatsu?
The treatment is carried out in clothing, on a futon laid on the floor. The therapist works with the entire body, including the head, face, and neck, hands, and feet. Pillows are placed under the head and knees, and sometimes also the feet, to allow for optimal relaxation. To maintain hygiene, special Japanese towels called Tenugui are used for working on the head and face meridians.
The treatment begins with the so-called Hara diagnosis, which is Japanese for the abdominal area and the main energy centre of a person. By touching specific points on the abdomen assigned to individual organs, the therapist diagnoses two main meridians to work on during the session – Jitsu (excess) and Kyo (deficiency). The positions in which we work depend on the result of the Hara diagnosis, the patient's needs, predispositions, and condition: it can be a position on the back, on the side, or on the stomach.
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of movement, such as yoga pants or leggings and a T-shirt or loose-fitting top. Avoid clothing with zips, buttons, or anything that could be restrictive or uncomfortable during the massage.
Comfortable attire: soft, stretchy trousers or tracksuit bottoms, a long-sleeved top, spare socks, and, if possible, a thin blanket or throw, as body temperature drops during deep relaxation.
Niemal zawsze jest to bezpieczna i korzystna praktyka. Jednakże niektóre rodzaje masażu mogą nie być wskazane dla osób z niektórymi chorobami. Dlatego proszę skonsultować się z lekarzem lub odpowiednim specjalistą ds. zdrowia, jeśli masz jakiekolwiek wątpliwości.
Although no permanent negative effects have been noted and the results of Shiatsu therapy are positive, there are contraindications in the case of certain illnesses and bodily conditions. In touch-energy therapy, which Shiatsu is, the so-called Deqi phenomenon occurs, meaning the movement, stimulation, or unblocking of energy. Consequently, the body's reactions can vary, depending on health status, physical condition, and medications taken.
During therapy, especially in areas where stronger pressure is indicated, a sensation of pain may occur, which points to a biological imbalance in the organ and its function. The nature of such a sensation can vary and may be described as a pain that brings relief, good pain, spreading pain, numbness, tingling, a pulling or heavy sensation, bloating or puffiness, dull spreading pain, soreness, electricity or heat. During sessions, reactions such as tears, crying, sadness, laughter, coughing, changes in skin colour, hot flashes, sweating, itching, a tickling sensation, or stomach rumbling may occur. If deep work stimulating energetic changes is indicated, mood swings, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, or a feeling of emptiness may appear for one or a few days after the treatment.
Women in the premenstrual phase of their cycle, endurance athletes, and individuals who lead predominantly sedentary lifestyles are more sensitive to pain. People with diabetes and those using corticosteroid medication may have more sensitive skin. Individuals experiencing high stress or mental health conditions may be hypersensitive to acupoint therapy, which uses pressure to stimulate energy for therapeutic purposes.
In the case of the following conditions, the procedure may go ahead, but the Patient is obliged to inform the therapist about them in the health questionnaire and immediately before the procedure, due to contraindications to pressing already painful or diseased areas:
– neuralgia, meaning nerve pain;
– lymphoedema;
– varicose veins and enlarged veins;
– implants;
– wires in the bridge;
- large post-operative scars;
– cracks and breaks;
– organs with cystic changes;
– inflammations;
swelling;
– inflammations, infections, ulcers and fungal skin diseases.
During pregnancy, direct pressure on the abdomen and the use of certain points (LI4, SP6, GB21) are contraindicated. Patients who have undergone chemotherapy or who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome must inform their therapist, as this affects the working method.
In the following cases, Shiatsu treatment is CONTRAINDICATED:
– first trimester of pregnancy;
– acute inflammatory course (with or without high fever);
Osteoporosis;
– severe heart disease;
– serious weaknesses;
– very elderly people.
Treatments are carried out by Agnieszka Sadraei
She is a Shiatsu Zen therapist with a diploma from the London Shiatsu College and many years of practice in Qi Gong and meditation. She is a member of The Shiatsu Society UK and studied under teachers who trained with Shizuto Masunaga, the creator of Shiatsu Zen, and Pauline Sasaki, his most influential student.
Achieving the diploma required in-depth studies of Eastern and Western holistic medicine in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Agnieszka is also a Qi Gong Shibashi teacher from the line of Sifu Wing Cheung and Pre-Heaven Movement, as well as a therapist-trainer of the lumbar fascia through movement and visualisation using the Franklin Method.
She practises and teaches Mindfulness meditation, incorporating breathing exercises. Her deep conviction in and experience of the therapeutic power of nature also inspired her to undertake a Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) therapist course. To fully utilise her knowledge and experience, she created her own method of working with the body, called Somatic Transformational Coaching.
