What is Traditional Shiatsu Therapy?
Shiatsu Therapy is a form of hands-on bodywork. Traditional forms of Shiatsu Therapy break up stagnation (often manifesting in tension, aches, pain), move and strengthen various types of energy (Qi) throughout the body, invigorate blood flow, and assist in physical, emotional, and digestive rebalancing — essentially getting to the root of your symptoms and bringing your body to a more balanced state.
Each shiatsu session begins with an assessment that includes questions about your general wellness; this helps to design a specific treatment according to your indications. Treatments are given using soothing, kneading, and various pressure techniques along with the breath, followed by passive stretching and range of motion exercises. Shiatsu is practiced with the client fully clothed, wearing comfortable clothing. So, it’s inviting to everyone!
Shiatsu Therapy is a form of Asian Bodywork Therapy with roots that can date back 100's - 1000's of years. Aaem Henry’s practice uses traditional applications of both of Shiatsu Anma and Namikoshi Shiatsu.
Shiatsu Anma has uniquely combined two of the most popular forms of Asian Bodywork Therapy in Japan: Anma (a 1300 year old healing massage meaning “to soothe with the hands”) and Shiatsu (“finger pressure”). Shiatsu Anma was developed by Grandmaster Kaneko, Dr. DoAnn Kaneko (LAc, OMD, PhD) respectively, and uses principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to evaluate the client and assess their balance of Qi.
Namikoshi Shiatsu, founded by Tokujiro Namikoshi, is the official shiatsu of Japan and is entirely based in modern anatomy and physiology. Through the application of pressure to specific points along the body, Namikoshi Shiatsu directly affects the nervous system, which in turn affects the internal physiological systems of the body. Namikoshi discovered a mechanism through which touch applied to the surface of the body reflexes to the internal organs, thereby releasing blockages and evoking the body’s own healing power.
Both styles of Shiatsu Therapy are used to give full body treatments using traditional applications, which can have greater affects on the body. In TCM, keeping the meridians (energy channels) that run through the body balanced is key to staying healthy and feeling good throughout life - they are the life force within us. So come in and experience a Traditional Shiatsu Therapy session today, it’s more than just a massage!!
