Shiatsu Cascais by Raphaela

19/07/2025

WISDOM of SHIATSU

As temperatures rise during the summer, our bodies undergo physiological changes that can lead to overheating, dehydration, and imbalances in energy flow.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers time-tested wisdom to help maintain inner harmony and prevent heat-related discomfort.
From cooling foods and herbal remedies to SHIATSU and lifestyle adjustments,
TCM summer cooling remedies can help you stay refreshed and energized throughout the season.

Understanding Summer Heat in TCM
According to TCM, summer is associated with the Fire element and yang energy, which can cause excessive heat in the body. This may manifest as irritability, excessive sweating, insomnia, dry mouth, and digestive issues. To counterbalance this heat, TCM recommends adopting cooling practices that nourish yin energy, clear heat, and promote hydration.

Best TCM Practices for Staying Cool in Summer

1. Incorporate Cooling Foods into Your Diet

Food therapy is a fundamental principle of TCM. To combat the summer heat, consuming cooling and hydrating foods is essential. Some of the best choices include:

Watermelon – Clears heat and replenishes fluids
Cucumber – Hydrates and detoxifies the body
Bitter melon – Reduces internal heat and supports digestion
Mint – Refreshing and promotes circulation of qi
Green tea – Contains cooling properties that soothe the body
Mung beans – Known for their ability to clear heat and toxins

Avoid excessive consumption of spicy, fried, and greasy foods, as they can exacerbate internal heat and lead to imbalances.

2. Stay Hydrated with Herbal Teas

Hydration is crucial in preventing heat exhaustion and maintaining balance. TCM recommends drinking herbal teas to cool the body naturally. Some excellent choices include:

Chrysanthemum tea – Helps clear heat and soothe the eyes
Honeysuckle tea – Detoxifies and reduces inflammation
Lotus leaf tea – Promotes digestion and cools the body
Peppermint tea – Refreshing and relieves heat-induced headaches
Drinking these teas throughout the day can help regulate body temperature and enhance overall well-being.

3. Use TCM Herbs to Dispel Heat

Certain TCM herbs are highly effective in reducing excess heat and restoring balance. Common herbs used in summer include:

Bai Mao Gen (Imperata Root) – Clears heat and promotes hydration
Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) – A cooling herb that alleviates fever and irritability
Xi Gua Cui Yi (Watermelon Rind) – Used to clear summer heat and relieve thirst
Huang Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) – Helps detoxify and support liver health
These herbs can be taken as teas, tinctures, or included in soups to support the body’s cooling mechanisms.

4. Practice SHIATSU for Heat Regulation

SHIATSU can help maintain body balance during hot weather by stimulating specific meridians that regulate heat.

SHIATSU
Reduces heat and detoxifies the body
Alleviates nausea and calms the mind
Supports digestion and strengthens qi
Clears excessive heat from the body

Regular SHIATSU sessions can help prevent heat-related issues like headaches, dizziness, and digestive discomfort.

5. Adjust Your Lifestyle for Seasonal Balance

Beyond diet and SHIATSU,
adopting seasonal lifestyle habits can enhance your
ability to stay cool and balanced in summer:

Wake up early and rest at midday – Following the natural rhythm of the season conserves energy
Wear loose, breathable clothing – Light fabrics like cotton and linen help regulate body temperature
Engage in gentle exercises – Practices like tai chi and qigong help circulate qi without overheating the body
Take cool showers – Helps in maintaining a comfortable body temperature and soothing heat-related symptoms

6. Avoid Overexposure to the Sun

Too much sun exposure can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion. TCM advises avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours (10 AM – 4 PM) and wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using an umbrella for protection. Applying natural cooling agents like aloe vera can also help relieve sunburn and keep the skin hydrated.

By incorporating TCM summer cooling remedies into your daily routine, you can effectively beat the heat and maintain harmony within your body. Whether through diet, herbal teas, SHIATSU,
or mindful lifestyle adjustments, these traditional practices provide a holistic approach to staying cool and energized during the summer months.
Embrace the wisdom of TCM and enjoy a balanced, refreshing summer!

19/07/2025

THE HEART ~ EMPEROR of the BODY

The heart is known as the central organ for blood circulation
and also influences the flow of Qi (vital energy)
throughout the body.

In SHIATSU we see the heart as the orchestrator of smooth energy and blood circulation, promoting vibrant health.
Linked with vessels, it influences both
physical circulation and the flow of energy and emotions.

The heart is not just a physical organ but the seat of the "Shen" (spirit).
It is associated with encompassing consciousness, emotions, mental clarity, vitality and spiritual awareness.

Nourishing the heart is akin to nurturing our innermost selves.

It is definitely linked with joy,
and imbalances can manifest as excessive or suppressed emotions.

In SHIATSU restoring emotional balance is crucial for heart health.

TCM emphasizes the heart's role in maintaining emotional equilibrium and overall health.

Through SHIATSU, we aim to promote balance within the heart and the entire body.

06/07/2025

WATERMELON and MINT

Traditionally, watermelon is used as an herb in Chinese medicine to clear heat from the body.
While it is super hydrating and delicious, it is also a source of vitamin C and A.[1]

1 cup watermelon (cut in 1” cubes)
1-2 tablespoons loosely packed mint leaves (or as much is desired to taste)
2 cups of room temperature water

Add all ingredients to a container of choice and refrigerate for around 2 hours to infuse.
Strain if you wish and drink throughout the day!
It helps to tear, cut, or muddle the mint to help release the flavor and its properties.

06/07/2025

Healthy Transition to Summer

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, our bodies are believed to be deeply connected to nature and the planet. Part of that includes seasonal changes and shifts.

In the world around us, the changing of the seasons is distinguished by characteristics like the shifting temperature, the leaves on the trees, flowers blooming or returning to the Earth.

It’s not just nature that responds to the change of seasons – our bodies do as well!

Importance of Seasonal Transition to Summer

The energetic shifts accompanying seasonal changes are reflected in both our physical and emotional bodies.

For this reason, it can be very helpful to adopt practices that support our bodies through these transitions.

According to Chinese medicine, living in alignment with our planet helps bring us closer to optimal health.

Tune your attention to the changes in nature around you in order to encourage a transition of ease from Spring to Summer.

Characteristics of the Transition from Spring to Summer
Although not as dramatic as the transition from Winter to Spring, the shift from Spring to Summer has its own unique energetic changes.

In Chinese Five Element Theory, Summer is related to the Fire element. In TCM theory, Summer corresponds to the Heart organ and channel system.

In Summer, the flowers are in full bloom, the days become longer, and the temperatures rise. It is a time of movement, growth, and expansion.

By its very elemental nature, heat causes things to quicken and expand. The increase in heat during this time of year is of course related to the strength of the summer sun. This strong sun that blazes down and enlivens our internal and external worlds can be viewed as the embodiment of the Fire element in Chinese Medicine.

All of the seasons can also be characterized in terms of yin and yang theory. Summer is considered the full expression of yang, with its quick, hot, bright, and active nature.

What to Expect During the Summer Transition
Summer is a time of increased heat, vibrancy, movement, and growth, but what does that all mean for our bodies?

Just as nature’s energy increases, you may notice an increase in your energy as well, whether mentally or physically.

In Chinese Medicine, Summer and the Fire element are related to the emotion of joy, the sound of laughter, and the color red. This associated imagery and characteristics are reflective in many of our modern summer rituals, celebrations and activities – such as gathering around a fire.

When the Fire element is balanced, the mind is calm, there is restful and restorative sleep, and the heart is healthy and vital.

If there is an imbalance in the Fire element, however, there may be experiences of emotional disturbance, difficulty with sleep, and possibly cardiac weakness.

How to Support your Body in the Transition to Summer
A change in the environment’s energetics means a change within ourselves. And this means new opportunities and ways to best support these shifts.

Through gentle modifications of diet and lifestyle, we can better align with the flow of Summer.

Dietary Recommendations
In Summer, the heat energy is at its peak. In our bodies, the Fire element is more engaged.

In particular, the digestive fire is typically more active, which means our bodies can handle foods that are otherwise more difficult to digest (such as cold and raw foods).

So, especially during hot summer months, incorporating seasonal raw fruits and vegetables can be a great way to help the body stay nourished. By incorporating more cooling foods, we can help to prevent the body from taking on too much heat.

Eat raw fruits and vegetables in moderation – avoid overconsumption which can lead to bloating and indigestion, especially if you are prone to digestive difficulties. If you notice bloating or digestive upset, try cutting back on the cold, raw foods and replace them with warmer and lightly cooked vegetables.

Foods to Prioritize during Summer
Support your body by focusing on whole foods, preferably organic and free of pesticides and other chemicals, that have a cooling characteristic in Chinese medicine.

Energetically cooling foods help to clear heat from the body, and they also generate body fluids to keep the system hydrated and replenished.

Particularly cooling foods include cucumber, berries, green leafy vegetables, salads, oranges, watermelon, mung beans, snow peas, bok choy, and cantaloupe.

Foods to Limit during Summer
Especially during hot months, restrict your intake of heavy, greasy, and fried foods, as well as excessive alcohol. These types of food preparations can add more heat to the system – leading to imbalance.

For those who are particularly sensitive to heat, it may also help to reduce the amount of spicy foods in your diet during Summer.

Healthy Expressions of Joy and Connection
For many, Summer brings to mind joyful memories in the sunshine, gatherings with loved ones, time spent outdoors, dining alfresco, sun-warmed skin and souls.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the emotion related to the Fire element is joy and the sound is laughter. Summer is an invitation to fully embody the joy we are all so deserving of.

With this invitation of experiencing joy, explore what lights you up and find ways to bring more of that into your day. Imbalances of joy can present as mania or on the other end of the spectrum, sorrow and bitterness.

It is important to note that there is no judgment attached to these emotions. Often joy is seen as positive and sadness as negative, but a familiarity and feeling of both is a healthy experience. Finding support through a mental health care provider is another great tool to care for the Heart and Fire energetics.

Movement
Summer energy is quick and lively. You may notice yourself feeling more active than usual!

During the summer months, try incorporating more active workouts with a focus on cardiac health. In Chinese Medicine, the season of summer is related to the Heart organ and channel system.

That means finding ways to support cardiac health and promote circulation are helpful to live in alignment with the season. Feel free to break a sweat! A simple way to gauge what intensity works for you is to listen to your body. If you feel tired, or like you have to take a nap after your workout, it was most likely too intense.

Always listen to what feels best for your unique body on any given day.

Staying Hydrated
As the temperatures increase and we start spending more time outdoors, becoming more active and sweating, hydration is very important. To calculate how much water to drink, divide your body weight in half and aim to drink that amount in ounces.

Tea Recommendations
In Summer, choose cooling teas that can help clear heat from the system and keep you feeling cool and hydrated. Try incorporating Green Teas, White Teas, Mint, Chrysanthemum, or Honeysuckle flower tea.

In Chinese Medicine, these individual herbs are part of the herbal Materia Medica. While they are often used alongside many other herbs in Chinese Herbal formulas, they are great to use on their own in your kitchen!

As always, check with your health care provider before making dietary and lifestyle changes.

Final Thoughts
Summer is a time when the energy in the environment and within us is abundant. Like the hot and expansive nature of heat, we can tune into this shift and align ourselves with the momentum and fullness and live in the full expression of the season!

06/07/2025

SUMMERTIME

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM),
summer is associated with the Fire element and the Heart organ. It's a time of Yang energy, characterized by growth,
activity, and outward expansion.
To harmonize with the season, TCM suggests embracing outdoor activities, enjoying warmth and joy, and focusing on heart-healthy practices and a cooling diet.

Key Aspects of Summer in TCM

Fire Element
Represents heat, activity, and joy. It's the most Yang of all the elements, signifying maximum energy and expansion.

Heart Organ
The Heart is considered the Emperor of the organs, governing blood circulation and housing the spirit (Shen). It's believed to be particularly vulnerable during summer.

Yang Energy
Summer is the most Yang time of the year, promoting outward movement and activity.

Emotional Connection
Summer is associated with openness and joy, and cultivating these emotions can support heart health and emotional well-being.

Tips for a Healthy Summer According to TCM

Embrace the Outdoors
Engage in activities that promote movement and circulation, such as Qi Gong, yoga, or morning walks.

Prioritize Heart Health
Pay attention to heart health through practices like meditation and mindfulness.

Cooling Diet
Consume foods that help to cool the body, like fruits and vegetables. Avoid overly greasy or spicy foods that can generate excess heat.

Rest When Needed
While summer is a time for activity, it's important to rest during the hottest part of the day to avoid overexertion.

Emotional Balance
Cultivate joy and lightness in your emotional state.

Be Mindful of the Heat
Adjust your lifestyle to the weather and avoid overexposure to the sun.

01/07/2025

The Mental & Emotional Aspects
of the Gall Bladder Meridian

Sprinkling of Emotions Throughout the Body

In western terms we tend to think of emotions as a ‘brain event’. Though the brain may be the ‘central command centre’ of our emotions, feelings are literally felt, stored (and can sometimes even be initiated) almost anywhere throughout the entire body. Think, for example, of “hairs standing on-end in the back of the neck”, when you hear something dreadful and/or unexpected. Isn’t it funny how we feel the response to such an emotion in the back of the neck / head … as opposed to say, on top of our feet? Chronically stiff shoulder muscles, protruded head & neck, constricted breath, tight buttocks muscles, unusually odd deposits of fat tissue in specific parts of the body ― these are but a few simple examples of how our bodies may be trying to process, store and bring emotions up to our attention.


The Meridian Link

The ‘link’ between specific body areas and the central nervous system ―meaning the spinal cord & the brain― is provided by our peripheral nervous system, or, in terms of acupuncture theory, by the ‘meridians’ (aka acupuncture channels) and their associated acupuncture points. Neural cells, or more specifically neural axons, can stretch over long distances from our spinal cords to anywhere within our bodies. Within the spinal cord these cells then travel up the spinal canal (through numerous inter-connecting neural cells) and end up at different parts of our brains. When viewed from this angle, it is not unreasonable to suggest that specific pathways or sites within our bodies, which are thus connected to different parts of the brain (via the peripheral nervous system and the spinal cord), may be connected to specific emotions. After all, when we are stressed, we may tend to hold our breath and start to feel a “knot” in our stomach, but we don’t extend our toes for instance… And when we’re scared, our facial hair or the hair on top of our heads doesn’t stand up on-end, but we may feel a shiver on the back of our necks, indicative of our little hairs standing up on-end in that area of the body.
Now let’s explore some examples from Traditional Chinese Medicine and consider what it has to offer in its nearly 3000-year wisdom.


The Mental & Emotional Aspects of the Gall Bladder Meridian

This meridian starts at the outer edge of the eye (aka the outer canthus), heavily traverses the sides of the head, then travels down to the shoulder region, the torso & rib cage, the hip, the lateral thigh and leg, and finally ends up on the 4th toe. There are several mental / emotional attributes associated with the Gall Bladder channel. First and foremost, along with the Liver channel, it is often associated with frustration, especially due to unexpressed emotions. It is not surprising then, that points on this channel are frequently used in the treatment of chronic migraines, hypochondriac pain or constriction of the lower rib cage and even hyperactivity (which may be connected to ADHD). In such pathologies, it is said that “too much” energy is accumulated or constricted in the channel and its flow is consequently inhibited, i.e., at times it may be stagnant and other times fiery & explosive.
We may also encounter the opposite situation, that is, one where the energy in this channel simply doesn’t have enough ‘grit’, so to speak. In such cases one will exhibit timidity, hesitation of expression, indecisiveness and perhaps even signs of depression. Some people may be familiar with the old phrase of ‘having the gall to do something’, which is interpreted as being brave or bold. Well, if that happens to be the issue, then points on the Gall Bladder channel (coupled with points on other related channels) can be used to nudge the psyche of a person in the desired direction. Interestingly, most of those points are primarily located around the ankle joint.

18/05/2025

SHIATSU ~ THE ART to TOUCH

O corpo é que paga.
Mas o que dói aos portugueses?
Dores nas costas, nos ombros ou na cervical são das mais prevalentes entre os nacionais.
A dor crónica chega a uma em cada três pessoas em Portugal e custa ao Estado pelo menos quatro mil milhões de euros anuais.

Um 'mapa' das dores mais comuns (e impeditivas) em cada país para ver na Revista E, nas bancas com o Semanário,
e através do link na bio do .

16/04/2025

O PARTO
sempre foi visto como um processo fisiológico acompanhado de muitos sentimentos, frutos de grande expectativa que mãe e bebê vivenciem o momento sem grandes dificuldades.

Dentro da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC), existem alguns conceitos fundamentais que possibilitam a interpretação da fisiologia, patologia e tratamento de maneira integrativa. Tanto a teoria do Yin/Yang quanto dos Cinco Elementos (Cinco Movimentos) facilitam a atuação profissional no campo da humanização, uma vez que não atuam de maneira mecanicista.

Especificamente na gestação e parto, partindo de um estudo aprofundado sobre as alterações fisiológicas e emocionais vivenciadas pela parturiente e seu contexto sócio-familiar, é possível uma atuação adequada e benéfica dentro das técnicas da MTC.

A GESTANTE E A MTC: Através da filosofia Yin/Yang podemos compreender que, além de muitas características, yin corresponde ao feminino e yang ao masculino. Na gestação, a mulher se encontra em plenitude de atributos Yin: dar forma à forma, gerar e produzir matéria.

Neste período de Yin máximo, o silêncio e a paciência são atributos necessários para manter o recolhimento adequado em meio a tantas transformações. Sendo uma fase de Yin máximo, o principal elemento envolvido é a Água, relacionado ao inverno onde o corpo armazena energia para em seguida dar início a um novo ciclo. É também este elemento que simboliza a força ancestral (Jing) e capacidade de adaptação (Zhi).

A substância fundamental Jing, especificamente Jing pré-Celestial, é considerada aquela que dá origem à nova vida, nutrindo o embrião e o feto durante a gravidez. Alguns fatores influenciam diretamente a qualidade do Jing da gestante e devem ser ponto de atenção no tratamento. São eles:

• Idade: Quanto mais avançada a idade, mais comprometidos geneticamente os óvulos se tornam, podendo comprometer a herança genética do feto.

• Doenças: Doenças crônicas desgastam a energia vital de modo evidente, diminuindo a homeostase e desgastando o Jing.

• Cirurgias: As cirurgias afetam temporariamente a energia de defesa (Wei Qi) e a circulação do Qi, e em alguns casos de hemorragia ou perda de algum órgão o Qi pode ser predominantemente afetado.

• Partos anteriores: De uma gestação para a outra é necessário um tempo de recuperação do Jing da mãe. Em casos de partos complicados, mais tempo de restabelecimento energético é necessário.

• Amamentação: A amamentação também é um período de desgaste do Jing que, como tal, precisa de uma recuperação adequada.

• Ritmo professional: O excesso de atividades profissionais pode proporcionar irritabilidade e mal-estar generalizado, desgastando excessivamente o Yin.

• Atividade Física: Adequar as atividades físicas realizadas é ponto primordial na rotina da gestante.

• Atividade Sexual: Em excesso, o s**o pode diminuir ainda mais a energia de Rim e Qi da mulher.

• Alimentação: Alguns alimentos devem ser evitados durante a gestação, como os muito açucarados, gordurosos, picantes e de natureza muito quente. Devem ser priorizados alimentos de sabor levemente azedo ou ácido, que aumentem o Yin e o Xue, que favorecem o elemento Terra e os Rins.

• Emoções: As emoções excessivas, como a tristeza, a obsessão, a raiva e o medo são presenças significativas na diminuição do Qi da gestante.

• Traumas: Traumas como acidentes, fraturas e picadas de animais venenosos são nocivos e afetam significativamente a qualidade do Jing do feto.

O PARTO
sempre foi visto como um processo fisiológico acompanhado de muitos sentimentos, frutos de grande expectativa que mãe e bebê vivenciem o momento sem grandes dificuldades.

Dentro da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC), existem alguns conceitos fundamentais que possibilitam a interpretação da fisiologia, patologia e tratamento de maneira integrativa. Tanto a teoria do Yin/Yang quanto dos Cinco Elementos (Cinco Movimentos) facilitam a atuação profissional no campo da humanização, uma vez que não atuam de maneira mecanicista.

Especificamente na gestação e parto, partindo de um estudo aprofundado sobre as alterações fisiológicas e emocionais vivenciadas pela parturiente e seu contexto sócio-familiar, é possível uma atuação adequada e benéfica dentro das técnicas da MTC.

A GESTANTE E A MTC: Através da filosofia Yin/Yang podemos compreender que, além de muitas características, yin corresponde ao feminino e yang ao masculino. Na gestação, a mulher se encontra em plenitude de atributos Yin: dar forma à forma, gerar e produzir matéria.

Neste período de Yin máximo, o silêncio e a paciência são atributos necessários para manter o recolhimento adequado em meio a tantas transformações. Sendo uma fase de Yin máximo, o principal elemento envolvido é a Água, relacionado ao inverno onde o corpo armazena energia para em seguida dar início a um novo ciclo. É também este elemento que simboliza a força ancestral (Jing) e capacidade de adaptação (Zhi).

A substância fundamental Jing, especificamente Jing pré-Celestial, é considerada aquela que dá origem à nova vida, nutrindo o embrião e o feto durante a gravidez. Alguns fatores influenciam diretamente a qualidade do Jing da gestante e devem ser ponto de atenção no tratamento. São eles:

• Idade: Quanto mais avançada a idade, mais comprometidos geneticamente os óvulos se tornam, podendo comprometer a herança genética do feto.

• Doenças: Doenças crônicas desgastam a energia vital de modo evidente, diminuindo a homeostase e desgastando o Jing.

• Cirurgias: As cirurgias afetam temporariamente a energia de defesa (Wei Qi) e a circulação do Qi, e em alguns casos de hemorragia ou perda de algum órgão o Qi pode ser predominantemente afetado.

• Partos anteriores: De uma gestação para a outra é necessário um tempo de recuperação do Jing da mãe. Em casos de partos complicados, mais tempo de restabelecimento energético é necessário.

• Amamentação: A amamentação também é um período de desgaste do Jing que, como tal, precisa de uma recuperação adequada.

• Ritmo professional: O excesso de atividades profissionais pode proporcionar irritabilidade e mal-estar generalizado, desgastando excessivamente o Yin.

• Atividade Física: Adequar as atividades físicas realizadas é ponto primordial na rotina da gestante.

• Atividade Sexual: Em excesso, o s**o pode diminuir ainda mais a energia de Rim e Qi da mulher.

• Alimentação: Alguns alimentos devem ser evitados durante a gestação, como os muito açucarados, gordurosos, picantes e de natureza muito quente. Devem ser priorizados alimentos de sabor levemente azedo ou ácido, que aumentem o Yin e o Xue, que favorecem o elemento Terra e os Rins.

• Emoções: As emoções excessivas, como a tristeza, a obsessão, a raiva e o medo são presenças significativas na diminuição do Qi da gestante.

• Traumas: Traumas como acidentes, fraturas e picadas de animais venenosos são nocivos e afetam significativamente a qualidade do Jing do feto.

16/04/2025

GRÁVIDAS & SHIATSU

Durante a gravidez, a terapia de Shiatsu permite que a mulher se sinta mais consciente do seu corpo e com o novo ser em formação, desenvolvendo um sentimento de tranquilidade, confiança e segurança. Ao alcançar o equilíbrio do seu corpo, consegue transmitir ao bebé a serenidade que ele tanto precisa para crescer saudável no seu ventre.

Quando recebida com regularidade na gravidez, a terapia de Shiatsu proporciona à futura mãe os seguintes benefícios:
- diminuição de dor nas costas e/ou dor ciática,
- redução da azia e enjoos,
- melhoria da função digestiva, prevenindo a prisão de ventre,
- diminuição da tensão muscular, do desconforto pélvico e da pressão abdominal,
- diminuição dos problemas de sono,
- redução do inchaço nas pernas,
- melhoria da fluidez da circulação sanguínea e do líquido linfático,
- sensação de maior energia e vitalidade,
- redução do stress e da ansiedade,
- preparação física e psicológica para o parto e recuperação mais rápida no pós-parto.

MÃES & SHIATSU

O Shiatsu é uma terapia tradicional japonesa cujo método consiste na aplicação de pressão palmar e polegar sobre o corpo, assim como exercícios de alongamentos, de forma profunda e suave. Pode ser realizado em todos, incluindo bebés, crianças e grávidas. A sessão será adequada a cada pessoa, de acordo com as suas condições físicas e psicológicas, tal como a sua resposta à pressão, para respeitar e a ativar a capacidade curativa e a inteligência natural do corpo.

Os seus efeitos notam-se particularmente em casos de:
- stress
- cansaço
- transtornos do ciclo menstrual
- dores de cabeça
- dores de costas, ciática,
- insónias,
- rigidez articular,
- problemas circulatórios
- problemas respiratórios
- ansiedade, tensão, depressão ou instabilidade emocional.

Os benefícios para o bebé são muitos:
estimulação do sistema nervoso,
digestão,
circulação sanguínea,
tónus muscular,
sistema respiratório;
relaxamento,
regulação do sono,
redução do stress;
alívio das cólicas;

e o benefício óbvio e mais importante:
a estimulação da vinculação e comunicação pais/bebé.

16/04/2025

Já tive a honra de acompanhar com o SHIATSU várias grávidas.
Essas sessões, em particular, transmitem sensações únicas (ressentidas pela mãe e pelo terapeuta) quando o bebé nos assinala que gostou de uma manobra de SHIATSU ao se espreguiçar e se mexer na barriga da mãe!
Os sorrisos e os risos enchem o gabinete!

É dito que o bebé de uma mãe que recebeu sessões de SHIATSU ao longo da sua gravidez, é um bebé que dorme de noite
e se ri de dia! Até agora, tal se confirma!

Para além de todos os benefícios conhecidos do SHIATSU, o SHIATSU aplicado à mulher grávida é uma “ferramenta” perfeita para optimizar o desenrolar da gravidez e o bem-estar da futura mãe durante todo o período de mudança e de gestação.

O protocolo do SHIATSU para a gravidez é específico e evolui ao longo da gestação.
Este adapta-se para seguir a evolução da gravidez e apoiar as necessidades ressentidas pelo corpo.

Ora vejamos:
Até ao 3º mês de gestação, o shiatsu cuida dos desequilíbrios yin-yang geradores de náuseas e de vómitos, de insónias e outros, cuida de manter ou preparar toda a flexibilidade das ancas, e ainda, de possíveis situações de obstipação.

Do 3º ao 6º mês de gestação, o SHIATSU permite ainda aliviar e libertar das tensões ao nível da lombar e da anca.
Permite, ainda, tonificar os yin e ajudar assim o corpo da futura mãe a assegurar a ascenção da energia e o suporte da placenta.

Do 6º ao 9º mês de gestação, o protoclo passa ainda por incluir, na sua sessão de shiatsu, a libertação da zona digestiva (Fígado, Baço Pâncreas e Estômago) de tensões e de compressões, de um bloqueio do diafragma, e ainda de uma compressão lombar.

A tonificação dos YIN continua a ser realizada ao longo desses últimos meses.

Após o parto, o SHIATSU sustenta a mãe que passa por uma fase mais aguda de cansaço e por vezes de depressão pós parto.

O SHIATSU permite também purificar os órgãos e o corpo após uma epidural.

~ Aurélia Ducarin-Guitton ~