What is Bodywork?

Bodywork is a generic term given to various methods of physical manipulation that heal and relax the human body. It is an umbrella term that describes a wide range of disciplines ranging from Osteopathy through to Sports Massage. A Bodyworker is a practitioner who uses physical manipulation to help a receiver through a wide range of conditions and ailments.

In society there is a growing awareness and understanding of the importance that our physical well being plays in every aspect of our lives. Many are now looking to towards physical therapy as a compliment to more conventional medical treatments. Even the NHS is beginning to see the importance of Bodywork realising that prevention of disease through complimentary medicine is a far better long term strategy to healthcare than the failing notion of fire fighting illnesses.

As a society our awareness of our own health is improving and more people are becoming empowered through Bodywork. After all we experience life physically through our bodies. Easing tension and stress from it will allow us to experience our lives with a with greater clarity and enjoyment.

Common forms of Bodywork include:

• Chiropractic
• Alexander Technique
• Osteopathy
• Myofascial Release
• Craniosacral Therapy

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a form of Bodywork that originated in Japan. Most Shiatsu Practitioners spend a fair portion of their time explaining that Shiatsu is not a Dog or bowel movement, but an immensely powerful and comprehensive form of Bodywork.

The word Shiatsu is Japanese and literally translates to “Finger Pressure” although this does little to describe our powerful healing art. In Shiatsu we use a vast array of techniques including stretching, holding, rocking, rotations and other methods of physical manipulation which are applied using the hands, elbows, knees and feet. We bring ease and motion back into the body by addressing areas of tension and misalignment within the skeletal and muscular structure that maybe impeding our receivers natural ability to function, move and heal.

Shiatsu represents a dynamic synthesis of various philosophies upon which its powerful treatments are based. A fully qualified practitioner is required to study a three year curriculum covering Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element Theory, Masunaga’s Extended Meridian Theory and Western Anatomy and Physiology. This intensive study is compounded with constant clinical practice meaning that by the end of our study we have a deep practical awareness of the workings of the human body and have many ways to help address disharmonies that can occur within it.

In Shiatsu we take a completely holistic view of the human condition. We study the effects that stress and tension can have on all aspects of our existence from the physical to the emotional. Using this broad awareness we are able to help our receivers to restore movement, ease and well being within their bodies. It is misalignment and tension that creates stress and restricts our movement, and like anything that isn't aligned and running smoothly, things start to wear and break down. The ability to restore motion and mobility to the body really is where the power of Shiatsu lies. Shiatsu unburdens the energy being drained by stress and tension allowing us to channel it productively and positively back into our lives.

In short, it is through the medium of touch, the most ancient form of healthcare, that we provide our receivers with the space in which to live, breathe and exist. At a time in history where we are virtual strangers in our own bodies, Shiatsu provides us with a chance to reunite with our core selves and bring harmony to our Mind, Body and Spirit!

To book a treatment please visit 'Our Practice' for contact details.