Shiatsu focus on stimulating the circulation of Blood and Qi (which is understood to be the ‘life form energy’ which supports and facilitates the nourishment and balance of the body and mind, as you can’t affect one without affecting the other.
Shiatsu works by reducing or eliminating stagnations that impede circulation and thus result in muscular tension and stress, while replenishing areas in the body that have been undernourished by blood flow and energy.
If there is an impairment or blockage of this Qi because of stress , illness, injury, or poor habits, then your shiatsu practitioner can assist the reactivation of your Qi by working on the meridians, and areas that are restricted. That said, whilst a disorder may present in one area of the body (e.g. lower back pain), there will be effects throughout your whole body, which is why your shiatsu practitioner more often than not, will treat the whole body.
The effects of shiatsu works on many of your systems, such as internal organs, muscles and joints, the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system, and as such, has a profound effect on reducing stress and improving your posture.
The other things shiatsu can assist with are:
Headaches
PMS
Digestive disorders
Fatigue
Stress and anxiety
Musculoskeletal pain including lower back back, neck and joint pain.
Depending on the goals of the session, the effects may be stimulating and invigorating or calming and relaxing.
