Treatments
Acupuncture and Shiatsu/Acupuncture Combination
Acupuncture takes place on a therapy couch and you are asked to bring two large towels with you for your comfort. Fine Acupuncture needles are placed in the skin and therefore you are asked to dress appropriately for treatment. It will be necessary to expose the area in which the needles are to go, this commonly includes the lower arms and legs and possibly your upper buttocks, back and shoulders. Every attempt will be made to protect your modesty.
Shiatsu
A full Shiatsu session takes place at floor level on a padded surface with the recipient lying down fully dressed.
Comfortable clothing which allows for full movement should be worn for your appointment.
Paul applies massage, stretches and holding techniques along the energy channels or ‘meridians’ of the body, along with direct pressure to acupuncture points. The limbs and joints are mobilised as appropriate but no heavy manipulation is involved.
Treatments are tailored to the individual so duration and frequency will vary accordingly. The initial consultation plus treatment takes an hour, during which time questions will be asked about your health and lifestyle. Please inform Paul of any current or past health problems and any medication used. Subsequent treatments will take between 45 minutes and an hour.
Read the Reviews or Testimonials pages to see what other people thought of acupuncture and shiatsu treatment with Paul.
Shiatsu is less well known than Acupuncture but is a traditional Japanese healing art, a physical therapy which supports and strengthens the body's natural ability to heal and balance itself. It works on the whole person, both the physical and emotional.
In Japan the theory of traditional Chinese medicine had been adopted into some schools of shiatsu and so it uses the same points and channels as acupuncture together with influences from recent Western therapies.
Whilst shiatsu possibly sounds quite esoteric or new age, Paul's clients most often seek out shiatsu for issues such as back pain or migraine.The Testimonials page may be useful to those unfamiliar with its possible benefits.
No needles are used in shiatsu, making the perfect non-invasive alternative to acupuncture.
Shiatsu means 'finger pressure' in Japanese. Idoshiatsu 移動指圧 is a dynamic form of shiatsu which uses touch, comfortable pressure, massage and soft manipulative techniques to adjust the body's physical structure and balance its energy flow. As such, it can generally be used for the same conditions as acupuncture but with the benefit of not using any needles. So if you have been considering acupuncture, but the thought of invasive needles puts you off, shiatsu may be just the thing for you.
A deeply relaxing experience, regular treatments can alleviate stress and illness and maintain health and well-being. It can help in a wide range of conditions, from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health.
It is suitable for all ages. You remain fully clothed at all times.
"Shiatsu technique refers to the use of fingers and the palm of one's hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body and for maintaining and promoting health. It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses."
- quote from "The Theory and Practice of Shiatsu" published by the Ministry of Health in Japan in 1957.
"It is necessary to follow the disposition of the seasons and adapt to cold and heat, to balance joy and anger and be contented with what one is, to harmonise Yin and Yang and adjust the unyielding and the tender.
Thus no evils can arise"
Huangfu Mi (215–282AD)
Shiatsu Society Registered Practitioners (MRSS) are required to have trained in the theory and practice of Traditional Chinese / Oriental Medicine in addition to fundamental western medical anatomy, physiology and pathology and to have passed the Society's examination in these areas. Fellows of the Shiatsu Society (FwSS) are those with more than ten years membership.
Shiatsu Guild Practitioners (FGSP) are further required to have been in constant recorded professional practice for at least ten years.
Response will obviously vary from person to person depending on both the initial complaint and the causes involved. Paul will be happy to discuss this with you at any point.
Any reasons not to have shiatsu?
Shiatsu is very safe but should be avoided if you have:
* an infectious disease or condition
* any acute feverish illness
* a retrovirus, e.g. shingles in last three months
* internal bleeding or blood clots
* had a major operation recently
Contra-indicated conditions may include cancer, hepatitis, retroviruses e.g. shingles, HIV
and obviously anything infectious or contagious.
Please check before the session if you require clarification.
You should inform Paul of any condition that has been diagnosed by a medical doctor or if you are pregnant.
Does your health insurance cover shiatsu?
Shiatsu sessions with Paul may be covered by your health insurance scheme,
e.g. Healthshield and theTransport Benevolent Fund.