Shiatsu for Stress and Mental Health issues

Stress, anxiety and depression are endemic problems in our hectic modern-day society.  During my 16 years of clinical experience as a shiatsu practitioner, I have found that most of my client’s issues are rooted in emotional issues, which then manifest as physical symptoms.  I worked at HM Treasury for 5 years, doing shiatsu on staff, and nearly every person I treated there was on anti-depressants and suffering from chronic long -term stress. I am seeing a similar pattern with NHS staff I work on at a local hospital.

Western science tends to view the body and mind as separate realms, whereas oriental medicine takes a more holistic view and sees the bodymind connection as inseparable. Our mind and emotions are embodied in our physical existence and our memories and personal histories are also stored in our bodies. As such, shiatsu and other types of bodywork can be very powerful and helpful in treating mental health problems.

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing art that uses the power of touch to help balance a person’s energy and ease physical and emotional symptoms. Shiatsu is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, like acupuncture, but instead of using needles, the shiatsu practitioner uses hands and fingers to stimulate acupressure points. Shiatsu induces a state of deep relaxation in the receiver and regular treatments combat the build up of stress and improve general wellbeing.

So, how can shiatsu help you if you are suffering from stress, anxiety or depression ?

Regular shiatsu sessions can:

• Help to reduce levels of stress hormone cortisol.
• Lower blood pressure and heart rate.
• Increase serotonin and oxytocin levels – Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in stabilizing your mood and promoting sleep. Oxytocin has anti-anxiety effects and promotes feelings of relaxation and psychological stability.
• Improve the circulation of the blood, helping to oxygenate body tissue and remove cortisol and waste chemicals.

In addition, each organ and associated meridian in Chinese medicine has a corresponding emotion. For example, the lung and large intestine meridians are associated with grief, the heart meridian with joy, the liver with anger, the kidneys with fear and the stomach with worry. Working on the body using these meridians has a profound effect on the mind and emotions as well as the physical body.

Shiatsu is unique in combining deep nourishing physical touch, with subtle energy work (through acupressure points and meridians) and through this combination, balance is restored to body and mind.

After a few shiatsu sessions, you should feel more relaxed, sleep better, be able to focus better and find it easier to make decisions.

You can book a shiatsu session with Fiona Carson, our highly experienced shiatsu practitioner who works from Theale Wellbeing Centre on Fridays. For further info on shiatsu or to discuss your requirements, please contact her.

ficarson@gmail.com / 07958 543320 / www.shiatsuhands.co.uk

or call the clinic reception on 0188 930 3535