Amanda Barrell
SNHS Dip Acup SNHS Dip
Shiatsu

Member of the International College of
Holistic Medicine ICHM NSFP

Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese healing art which
utilises the network of energy channels called meridians
that flow through the body. Our health and wellbeing depend on
t hese meridians being clear and balanced so our ‘vital energy’ or ‘Ki’
can flow smoothly throughout the system to help maintain harmonious
function of our organs. Traditional Chinese Medicine theory is used as it
would be for other healing methods such as in acupuncture, for diagnosis and
treatment. The whole body can be treated or just a specific area, as well as special points along the meridians called ‘tsubos’. Pressure may be firm or gentle and fingers, thumbs, elbows, even feet are used to apply the right amount of pressure in the required direction and for the required amount of time. The sessions normally take place at floor level on a mat or futon, but you can also be sitting on a chair or sofa, depending on the area to be treated.

Some benefits of Shiatsu:
Relaxing to mind & body
Restores and balances energy
Eases physical & mental tension
Improves breathing, posture & circulation
Enhanced feeling of general wellbeing
Relief from aches & pains, headaches, stiffness & depression.

On your initial session, which will probably take an hour or more, you will be asked lots of questions to help formulate your treatment plan. You don’t have to answer all the questions if you don’t want to, but it is essential that you inform your practitioner of any relevant medical history or infections that may be present. This is for your own and the practitioner’s safety and may affect the healing process. Lots of other observations about your general lifestyle, will be of great significance. Such as; what you enjoy or dislike, whether you are a morning or evening person, or even your gait, and posture. The session will then continue with a general treatment to enable you to experience and get a feel for what is involved and for the practitioner to ‘tune-in’ to your energy, so that next session can be planned with more ease and relevance. Subsequent sessions will involve some general enquires into any improvements since the last session and then a more specific treatment will commence. Although the sessions should be as peaceful as possible and talking should be kept to a minimum, it is important to be comfortable and so you will be asked regularly if everything is ok and if you are comfortable. You will be informed when the session is near the end & afterwards there should be time to discuss anything you wish, and to arrange your next meeting. You may also be given some exercises to do as ‘homework’ and/or prescribed some herbal tea to try.

Shiatsu is a good preventative and curative process to enhance your life in many ways. The power of human touch is very effective and both the client and the practitioner will gain great benefit & healing from a session. Apart from feeling relaxed after your very first session, improvement in any conditions should normally be evident after around 6 sessions. Remember, though, that symptoms can nearly always be helped, but the cause needs to be found. Sometimes, changes to one’s thinking or one’s habits or lifestyle is necessary before any improvement is possible.  In the meantime…Relax & Enjoy!

Before Attending for your Session: You should wear loose, comfortable clothing. T’shirt & tracksuit bottoms are ideal, and socks. Long sleeves are fine too. Do not have a heavy meal or drink alcohol for a couple of hours before or after a session If at all possible, avoid stressful or strenuous activities afterwards. But you will feel pretty chilled out anyway! Please do not attend if you are suffering from an infection, or contagious disease. Inform your doctor that you intend to have any complementary therapy if you have any serious condition, or are taking prescribed drugs.

Amanda can be contacted on 07885 682078 for any questions you may have
or to make an appointment.

Email: a.barrell731@btinternet.com