Shiatsu (Five Element Style Energetic Shiatsu)

Shiatsu is a form of Eastern bodywork that honors the Mind - Body - Spirit connection by treating each person as a whole.

Shiatsu restores and maintains a person's energy flow by working the meridians -- which are energetic "pathways" throughout a person's entire body. Shiatsu massage stimulates and balances this energy flow (often referred to as Qi), bringing it back to a more harmonious state. These meridians are the same ones used in acupuncture treatments. The main difference is that acupuncture uses needles to access the meridians, while Shiatsu uses pressure.

What Are the Five Elements?

The Five Elements are Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, and Earth. Like a fingerprint, we each possess a unique combination of these energies - which essentially cause us to behave, think, and feel a certain way. One of the goals of Shiatsu is to keep these elements in balance so one does not overpower the other.

Elemental Qualities

A brief overview

  In Balance
Causes Positive Attributes including...		 Out Of Balance
Causes Negative Attributes including...
FIRE Creativity, enthusiasm, passion. Depleted immune system; chest, shoulder, and neck pain; Rosacea.
WATER Perceptive, honest, objective. Fertility problems, low stamina, lower back problems.
WOOD Motivation, taking action, competitive spirit. Headaches, menstrual irregularities, anxiety.
METAL Organized, independent, rational. Sinus problems, skin problems, hemorrhoids, and constipation.
EARTH Calm, down to earth, easy going. Weight fluctuations, severe anxiety, gum disease.

* To learn more about the Elements, read Between Heaven & Earth by Beinfield & Korngold.

Other Benefits of Shiatsu

  • Reduces stress & tension.
  • Promotes relaxation.
  • Helps balance and unblock the energy (Qi) flow in the body, helping prevent disease and illness.
  • Stimulates the circulation of blood.
  • Relieves pain.
  • People with the following problems respond especially well to shiatsu:
    Headaches, musculoskeletal pain, PMS, digestive disorders, low energy, & chronic fatigue syndrome.

How is it done?

Shiatsu massage is performed on a floor mat or a massage table. Loose and comfortable cotton clothing is worn during the treatment, and unlike Swedish massage no oil or cream is used. Before the session, a health assessment is performed.




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