Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a treatment last?

Typically a treatment will last around a hour, although your first treatment may take slightly longer to allow time for taking a personal history and answering any questions you may have.

How many treatments will I need?

Usually when a client first comes for a treatment they are usually presenting a specific condition (eg. Back pain, frozen shoulder, specific injury, etc) that may initially need more intensive frequent treatments to resolve. It is not uncommon for weekly or bi-weekly visits during this first period. After the initial conditions have passed it is entirely up to the client how often they come, or if they even come back at all. Most people after experiencing the benefits of Shiatsu seem to incorporate it into their ongoing 'Health' regime and have follow up treatments every 4-6 weeks to keep them ticking over. Over time Shiatsu transforms from a 'Fixing' therapy to powerful and profound method of self development that increases self awareness and vitality.

Is Shiatsu suitable for the Elderly?

Shiatsu is a dynamic form of Bodywork and the way we work is dictated by our receivers needs. There are many different ways to help a person and infinitely more ways of working. Our techniques range from the very dynamic and 'strong' to the very gentle and subtle.

Our job, at its most basic, is to help bring space and movement back into peoples lives. Doing anything that might stress our receivers further and bring more tension into a persons body is actually totally against the very spirit of Shiatsu. As such Shiatsu is suitable for all ages and all body types. Quite often with more elderly clients we have found that gently reintroducing movement that may have been restricted back into their body has yielded very positive results, greatly improving their quality of life.

What should I wear?

Shiatsu is a non-invasive form of therapy during which you will remain fully clothed. Due to the nature of the Shiatsu techniques you will be more comfortable wearing loose clothing, preferable made of natural materials.

Will Shiatsu interfere with other forms of therapy or any medication I have been prescribed?

There actually very few contraindications as to when Shiatsu should be avoided. As Shiatsu is based on returning a body to a natural state of well-being and harmony by stimulating the bodies natural regenerative functions, it is a widely used to support the rehabilitation and recovery process of numerous other therapies. However you should have concerns please consult with your Doctor. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact any of the Practitioners listed on this website who will happily discuss the suitability of Shiatsu for your circumstances. We have an extensive support network and access to many qualified Practitioners from wide array of different therapies and will happily help you try to find the most appropriate treatment available.

Is Shiatsu suitable for Children?

Absolutely, although for under 16’s we insist that either a parent or guardian is present at all times during the treatment. Just like adults children have their own stresses and causes of disharmony in their lives and Shiatsu is equally effective at addressing a child's needs as it is an adults. A child is constantly undergoing changes from within and outside their bodies, from exams to moving home to emerging into adulthood, Shiatsu can help ease the journey through life.

Is Shiatsu painful?

We’d be lying if we said that there aren’t occasionally a few tender points that may be found during a treatment. Some of the areas that require attention may be sensitive and as such you may experience some momentary discomfort whilst the specific area is being treated but this will quickly pass. Through our years of practice and study Shiatsu Practitioners develop a high level of sensitivity and will ensure that you will never experience unbearable pain, and any discomfort you experience will soon be replaced with the wonderful post-Shiatsu experience!

What should I do before a treatment?

We advise that you don’t eat a heavy meal at least 2 to 3 hours prior to your treatment. Being treated on a full stomach can be uncomfortable. Try to leave enough time for you to arrive on time for your treatment without having to rush. You’re having a Shiatsu to help relieve stress, plan your day so that the journey to your treatment does add to it. Try to avoid any alcohol on the day of your treatment and ideally the day prior to your treatment.

What happens after a treatment?

After the treatment the Practitioner will usually discuss what has been worked on during the treatment and may suggest courses of action that you can do at home to reinforce the treatment, such as dietary considerations, lifestyle suggestions and physical exercises. Ensure that you drink plenty of water to help eliminate any toxins that may have been shifted during the treatment. Shiatsu stimulates both your lymphatic and immune systems which may result in your body eliminating unwanted influences. This may result in side effects such as headaches, soreness and colds being experienced as your body eliminates toxins. This is actually a good sign as it means your protective abilities are actually working and typically these side effects only last around 24 to 48 hours. Ideally it is advisable to take some time to rest and relax after a treatment to give your body time to reap the maximum effect from your treatment.

It’s impossible to predict how a person will respond to a treatment, some experience very dramatic changes and others experience more subtle ones. There is a saying in Shiatsu, “You don’t always get what you want, but you always get what you need!” Over a course of multiple treatments the reaction to the treatments seem to settle down and the treatments affect the receiver on deeper and far more profound levels.

Where can I learn Shiatsu?

There are numerous schools within the UK teaching various styles of Shiatsu which can be found on The Shiatsu Societies web site (see our Links page). If you are looking to study the wonderful art of Shiatsu we would seriously recomend looking over The British School of Shiatsu-Do web site.

Do you have gift vouchers available?

Absolutely. If you would like to book a session as a gift for someone please contact us and we let you know how to arrange it.

I have a question not listed on this page?

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate contacting any of Practitioners listed on this web site. They will be more than happy to discuss any questions you have regarding Shiatsu.