Using acupressure points and Self Shiatsu 

All of us instinctively use acupressure points with our families and those close to us. We harness the power of touch. If you hold someone’s hand or wrap your arms around their shoulder you connect with them in more than just a physical way. There are a number of acupressure points which are easy to learn and use in daily life to support yourself or your family in general wellbeing or with specific things such as cramp or travel sickness.

Qi gong

Qi gong is a form of moving meditation in which the slow flowing movements engage the different energetic pathways. Shiatsu practitioners often practice qi gong to balance their qi and to develop awareness of their own energetic landscape. Qi gong is infinitely versatile and accessible to all. Many practitioners run community classes where you can learn Qi Gong.

Tuning in to the energy of the seasons

Shiatsu is grounded in South East Asian medical traditions and understanding. It is rich in both an observation of and a relationship with nature and in particular the seasons. This wisdom emphasises the ways in which our bodies experience the rhythm of the year and how being in harmony with this can promote wellbeing.

Breath work and mindfulness 

Ki and the breath are intimately linked. Ancient texts speak of advice to sit tranquilly, lessen thoughts, reduce desires , expand the mind, nourish the qi and preserve the spirit. There is a great deal of western based research about the health benefits of effective breathing, in Eastern approaches in promoting the flow of Ki.

Tuning in to and listening to the wisdom of my own body 

Bodywork, and especially shiatsu, has a strong focus on creating the space for the body to balance itself. Homeostasis is not just a physiological function but also reflects a wider relationship with yin and yang. 

Connection with the universe

As with tuning in to the energy of the seasons, Shiatsu invites you to develop an awareness of the interconnection of everything, to notice and be sensitive to what is around you. This sensitivity can change your perspectives or world view .

Being present

Also an aspect of mindfulness, shiatsu can allow you to feel totally grounded - which could be described as living fully in the moment. This quality opens up the possibility of noticing and valuing the small things around you such as catching the birdsong or the sunshine playing on leaves. Learning to do this is generally accepted as being positive for health and well being.

Listening ....in every way 

We might be familiar with the idea of active listening, a way of engaging fully with someone. Shiatsu emphasises an even more holistic way, whereby you tune in with all your senses and energetically to someone. Like touch, this is an instinctive human response but we are often socialised out of responding in this way to people. It is great to reconnect with this ability to be in communication with another person

Being in my hara

In Shiatsu we work with the idea that the body has an energetic centre, in a similar way to the Sanskrit chakras which are used in some yoga practices. The Hara, located in the belly, is believed to be the centre of consciousness of the human field – so taking our attention away form the mind to this centre allows us to be intuitive. In martial arts cultivating the Hara allows sensing the energies of ones adversaries, in Shiatsu this information is used both to mediate our own responses and to listen and respond to a receiver’s energetic field.