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What Shiatsu is about.

Art of Shiatsu began to be promoted in Western world right after the Second World War, by Tokuyira Namikoshy. However, the greatest impact on Western world had Shizuto Masunaga, who presented his understanding of Shiatsu therapy in late 70?s.

So, now, Shiatsu combines the millennial traditional techniques of acupressure with the modern, Western massage techniques.

Traditional Far East medicine manifests in the work with the meridians ? the channels of life energy placed in our body.  Stimulation of which for thousands of years is a base of acupuncture and acupressure.

“Shiatsu” means “shi” – fingers and “atsu” – oppression, and so, therefore, shiatsu is nothing like stimulation of meridians through the fingers pressure along its entire length, to boost the flow of vital energy.

Touching the surface of the body not only eliminates congestion on the surface, but also affects the flow of energy in depth, harmonizing the element belonging to the meridian. In this way, shiatsu reaches even into our bodies, our emotions, our whole being. The smooth flow of energy is in fact a manifestation of emotional, mental and physical well-being. In turn it leads to the movement and development.  

The stagnation in the flow of energy “Ki”, arises when we close some parts of our body and soul, for inflow of vital energy. Such a dysfunction, if it is not removed in time, can become a disease on a physical level.

Disturbed flow of energy, means, that the way of living, thinking, and receiving the world around you isn?t fully correct. There is something what disturbs you to recognize the truth in your reality. Therefore it might be necessary to make some permanent changes either in way of living or thinking of yours. 

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How Shiatsu looks like.

Shiatsu is performed in a properly ventilated and heated room with the accompaniment of quiet, relaxing music.

During the procedure, the patient lies on the mat or massage table. Massage is performed through clothes; it is therefore advisable to wear loose and comfortable clothing.

Massage involves compressing, kneading and massaging acupuncture points. The therapist uses fingers, hands, elbows and sometimes knees and feet. The treatment includes various techniques of raising and rotation of the limbs as well as the receiver’s muscle stretching.

Very helpful in achieving the relaxation state of the body to accelerate the flow of Ki (energy of life) is slow and deep breathing.

If you have any questions or concerns you should always feel free to ask the therapist. 

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Benefits of Shiatsu

Shiatsu mobilize, harmonize and stimulates the flow of energy in those critical areas where previously existed some stagnation, thereby it is causing a motion of this stagnant energy. This change usually manifests itself with physical, mental or emotional pain or suffering. This is an indication that here we came to the area of your life, from which you have already escaped very long time ago.

Shiatsu is able to initiate the development process in your life, but also can be simply a support for daily living.

The main intention of Far East physicians has always been the prevention of disease, or various types of illnesses, and therefore both Shiatsu and other techniques of the Far East, is mainly used to maintain perfect health, joy and well-being.

However, it is important to be aware that it can be also very effective in curing diseases and relieving from suffering, in cases such as:

• headaches and back pain;
• menstrual pain;
• stomach problems;
• chronic fatigue;
• restlessness and nervousness;

Regular use of Shiatsu, including the conduct of conscious life, can­ bring relief with chronic and severe illnesses and also make them more comprehensible, thus giving overall, a positive effect, or even eliminate them at all.

             The uniqueness and greatness of shiatsu, as many of ancient healing techniques, is also the fact that it is a continuous meditation for the therapist. Both the receiver and the therapist, being opened for the best but with no concrete expectations, they just are, feeling a deep peace and joy.

             Shiatsu can never replace visiting a doctor – especially in the case of serious ailments. Always, however, it can be used with good effects as a supplement of traditional medical treatment.

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Contraindications of Shiatsu

At cancer patients, and in some cases of tuberculosis, in combination with bone diseases Shiatsu creates the possibility of injury. This also applies to the elderly. In such cases, Shiatsu treatment should be avoided or carried out very gently and delicate.

             Shiatsu should not be used in areas of the body where there are fresh cuts, inflammation, varicose veins and similar ailments. You should not use this method for people seriously ill and people suffering from serious mental disorders.

Definitely Shiatsu cannot be used in the following cases:

• serious diseases of the heart, liver, lung and kidney,
• cancer of the stomach, intestines and abdomen,
• internal bleeding (eg. Ulcers of gastric)
• infectious diseases,
• fresh fractures
• injuries and guts.

             Extremely positive feelings gives it to the pregnant women – excluding pregnancy at risk.

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Preparation for Shiatsu

• on treatment day refrain from drinking caffeine or if not possible at least limit its consumption, as it has a direct effect on the nervous system and can cause problems with relax;
• the day before and especially on treatment day, refrain from drinking alcohol;
• 1.5 hour before the treatment, don?t eat heavy meal; if necessary you can afford a light snack about an hour before;
• before leaving your home, if possible, take a warm, relaxing shower, which will help you to calm down and eventually bring you faster into relax state, and help you to prepare for healing process during the treatment;
• dress in warm, loose outfit; during big energy transformations, lots of people feel cold inside of the body;
• make sure to take off the jewellery (chains, bracelets, watches, rings, earrings etc)
• it is recommended to have a good mood and positive attitude;
• While treatment, it is recommend for you to relax your body and mind. It allows the energy to flow freely and rich as much of your being as you are open to. Deep breathing is very helpful in getting into relaxation state. To make it even easier, it is very common to use some relaxation or meditation music along with gentle fragrance of incense and soft light of candles.
• Relaxed state of mind and body express your readiness and willingness for the change, for better, and becomes the key, without which, no change is able to occur. Without your inner permission and agreement, no shift or transformation is able to arise and become real.
• The more you feel ready and opened the bigger change may appear.
• If you have any questions or doubts, even during the treatment, don?t hesitate to ask your therapist right away.
• Because the therapy accelerates the various mechanisms, including removing the toxins from the body, it is highly recommended to drink a lot of water for at least 24 hours after each treatment, just to ease and support these all

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