Japanese healing art of touch for health & well-being

Shiatsu

Shiatsu Treatment

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese therapeutic massage/bodywork rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The word Shiatsu (指圧) literally means “finger pressure” in Japanese. It uses sustained acupressure and gentle muscle meridian stretching in the treatment to support the body’s natural ability to heal and restore balance.

Working along the body’s energy pathways (meridians), Shiatsu helps to release tension, improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Different to many other modalities, treatments are performed on a futon on the floor, without oils. Another unique points is that clients remain fully clothed throughout the session, which makes easier and more comfortable for many clients, without taking their clothes off for the treatment.

Shiatsu is very relaxing as it has a beneficial effect on supporting the autonomic nervous system, and particularly on the para-sympathetic (rest and digest) response to reduce stress.

The session can focus on relieving tension in a particular part of the body, while the practitioner works holistically on the entire body.

Regular treatment as part of your self-care routine supports long-term health maintenance. It offers you the opportunity to pause, reset, reconnect to your own body, and care for yourself - the most important asset in your life.

Treatments are specifically designed for each individual on every visit, based on their concerns, symptoms, body constitution, etc. It is a perfect way to improve your health and wellbeing.

“I always feel so energised, refreshed and relaxed after my treatments.
My body feels like it has gotten a full reset.”

- Client

The Unique Beauty and Benefits of Shiatsu

  1. Personalized Care:
    Each Shiatsu session is thoughtfully tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring a truly customized experience every time.

  2. Gentle Yet Powerful:
    The pressure of Shiatsu is carefully applied to reach the depth of the fascia, helping release physical tension and mental stress, creating a profound sense of relaxation.

  3. Living in the Moment:
    Shiatsu is all about being present. Each treatment is a unique experience, as no two sessions are ever the same. The beauty lies in fully embracing the moment.

  4. Holistic Approach:
    Shiatsu views the body as a harmonious whole, addressing both physical and emotional well-being in alignment with nature.

  5. Natural Wellness:
    Shiatsu is a gentle, chemical-free path to health, promoting well-being through the body's own healing powers.

  6. The Healing Power of Touch:
    Shiatsu reconnects us with the nurturing and restorative power of touch, reminding us of its ability to heal and soothe.

  7. Grounded Experience:
    The treatment is performed on a futon, close to the floor, allowing you to feel grounded and connected to the earth.

  8. Comfort and Ease:
    No need to remove your clothes—just come as you are and experience the full benefits of Shiatsu in total comfort.

Approach

Ryoko always welcomes each client in a friendly and polite manner.

At the beginning of the session, she will hear your concerns to understand your situation, and to make sure that you feel comfortable and informed.

She may ask to take a look at your pulse and tongue as a part of Chinese Medicine diagnosis, which helps to create your individual treatment plan.

She assists her client with gentle hands-on techniques including acupressure, palming, holding, some assisted-stretches and more.

Her touch is described as gentle and firm, while her approach is intuitive and yet having a special focus to the area of the body each client wants to be worked on.

After the bodywork, she might offer some life style or dietary advice to bring back home for your self care.

In Japanese tea ceremonies, there is a phrase, “Ichi-go, Ichi-e” ( “一期一会” literally means “one time, one meeting”). This is the idea that this encounter will never happen again in your lifetime so treasure every moment.

“Pouring my heart and intentions into my treatment is like making a cup of tea, just for you in the tranquil tea room.”

At Ume Shiatsu, we want you to experience each moment through the touch of healing hands.

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