Shiatsu- what is it?

Shiatsu is an ancient form of Japanese bodywork. The word Shiatsu literally means "shi"  (finger) "atsu" (pressure).  It was developed or refined after Traditional Chinese Medicine and Bodywork were introduced to Japan and founded by Tokujiro Namakoshi in 1925 when he opened up the Shiatsu Institue of Therapy.

Shiatsu follows the philosophy and theory of Traditional Chinese and relies on a detailed map of energetic pathways in the body that send messages to every bodily function, including the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. By influencing these functions, Shiatsu balances the process, guiding the body to heal itself. In the western culture, Shiatsu is known as Accupressure.

There are many different techniques used in Shiatsu. A practitioner will use thumbs, hands, elbows and knees. Sometimes Cupping and Moxa will be used as well. 

Shiatsu is traditionally performed on a futon mat, but for those that might have restrictions, we also offer a massage table or a massage chair to adminster the treatments. The client wears loose, comfortable clothing during the session.

 

Traditional Thai Massage- what is that?

Traditional Thai Massage is an ancient form of bodywork originally reserved for the royalty and monks of Thailand. It is said this form of bodywork was developed to assist monks in sitting in a meditative state for extended periods of time. This is perhaps why the lower half of the body, legs, hips and lower back receive most of the attention. It was also later used for the common folk to help relieve aches and pains after working in the fields all day. 

Thai Massage is considered the "lazy man's yoga" as many movements that used are modified yoga poses. It offers many great stretches, blood flow is increased exponentially and muscles are stretched and relaxed.   

Both Shiatsu and Thai Massage have been practiced and refined for over 5000 years. Under much scutinty, they have been shown to effectively treat and relieve many ailments. They are both considered invaluable preventative medicine and an alternative to western medicine. Many people have turned to eastern medicine after finding western medicine unsuccessful or unsatisfactory. Many others are considering it after experiencing side affects from prescription medications and more evasive therapies with poor results.  

One major advantage to eastern medicine, or in this case, Shiatsu and Thai Massage, is that we look at the body as a whole, rather than just the sick or broken parts, and treat is as such. By getting the entire body in "balance", it can begin to heal itself. By breaking up blockages and influencing a stronger flow of energy, your body will be rejuvinated.

The United Nations World Health Organizatin (WHO) recognizes the usefulness of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating over 40 common conditions, including;

Headaches and migraines
Insomnia
Mood distrubances
Digestive problems
Common Cold
Sciatica
Chronic Fatigue
Pregnancy Support
Pain Management


Shiatsu           45 minutes                          $50.00
Shiatsu           60 minutes                          $65.00
Shiatsu           90 minutes                          $95.00