Also known as “finger pressure,” Shiatsu is a holistic body-based therapy developed in Japan. Rooted in the principles of Chinese Medicine, Shiatsu focuses on stimulating the body’s energy systems by applying pressure and stretching the body to enhance overall health and well-being.

It offers many benefits, including:

  • Strengthening your body’s natural ability to heal and find balance. Shiatsu delicately balances the impact of environmental factors and the ebb and flow of emotions by restoring the flow of our vital life force, known as Qi.
  • Addressing all aspects of your being: mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Shiatsu helps to restore balance by nurturing the whole person and how they relate within the social and natural order. Shiatsu aims to address the root cause of disease by considering causative factors such as constitution, environment, diet, lifestyle, and emotional health.
  • Relaxing the nervous system, stress, pain and muscle tension. The gentle pressure of a Shiatsu treatment can promote deep relaxation and stress relief by stimulating the release of natural pain-relieving agents, such as endorphins and neurotransmitters.
  • Stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation. Shiatsu facilitates the removal of metabolic wastes and increases oxygen and nutrients to tissues, relieving body discomfort such as back and neck pain, headaches and joint stiffness.
  • Identifying and resolving the underlying causes of discomfort whilst also addressing immediate concerns. Regarded as a holistic therapy, diagnosis is guided by the belief that the outer body mirrors the health of the inner body.

 

What to expect from your shiatsu session:

  • To create a personalised treatment plan, the practitioner will utilise diagnostic tools and techniques such as questioning, pulse analysis, tongue observation, channel and abdomen palpation.
  • Cupping, gua sha (scraping), and moxibustion (heat treatment) are complementary therapies that may be used to treat symptoms.
  • The practitioner may use various massage techniques, including using their palms, fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees, and even feet to apply targeted pressure on key acupressure points to influence and stimulate the flow of energy (Qi).
  • Lifestyle advice, diet, yoga, meditation, and exercise may be discussed to enhance treatment outcomes.

 

What to wear: During a Shiatsu session, you remain clothed and are covered with a blanket. The treatment takes place on a Japanese-style Futon or massage table, complete with supporting bolsters and pillows. For expectant mothers, bolsters and pillows are adaptable to accommodate different trimesters. You are encouraged to choose a resting position that suits your body’s needs, including lying on your back, stomach, or side, which is most appropriate during pregnancy. It is recommended to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

 

Shiatsu on the futon will be available with Louisa on Fridays, from May 31st.

Treat yourself and BOOK AN APPOINTMENT HERE.

 

Louisa Della RivaLouisa is a Trauma Informed Body-Based Shiatsu practitioner and AHPRA registered in Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine.

An integral component of Louisa’s practice is creating a safe, welcoming, and compassionate environment that allows her clients to escape the day’s stresses and fully immerse themselves in relaxation – essential to healing. Louisa enjoys the diversity of general practice. Whether your main complaint is chronic pain, digestive issues, low energy, gynaecological concerns or grieving loss, she has a way of allowing the healing to happen gradually, deeply and consistently over time.