SHIATSU
by Mary......
This is an ancient and profound bodywork system originating from Japan. Useful for treating many different conditions, regular treatment helps to strengthen immunity and maintain good health.
MRSS Practitioners have studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, Five Element Theory, Zen Shiatsu (Shizuto Masunaga), Western Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology over a three year syllabus. The course also involves meeting many wonderful and inspiring teachers who all offer their own individual ideas and styles of working. This exciting theory base is so rich that the Practitioner is always learning and developing.
Many things are considered during a Shiatsu session. The receiver's diet, lifestyle, health history will all be looked at in some detail so a full picture of the person can be formed. Recommendations may be made at the end of the session in order to help the receiver to maintain or work towards good health.
The twelve meridians or 'energy lines' in the body each relate to a different organ. When the body is in a state of imbalance, it is possible for the Shiatsu Practitioner to feel which meridians need attention in order to restore a sense of wellbeing. We may also decide whether to work on a physical, emotional, mental or spiritual level with the receiver.
Shiatsu is traditionally carried out on a futon with the receiver wearing loose comfortable clothing. A one hour treatment may involve the use of palming, thumbing, stretches and rotations. We sometimes stimulate points (as in acupuncture) along the meridians. The techniques we use help to move 'stuck' ki (or energy) which often causes pain, tonify ki where more is needed, and working with the breath, aid the free flow of ki around the body so that harmony and balance is restored.
Shiatsu is a practical and versatile therapy. Whilst a course of full one hour treatments are extremely beneficial, twenty minute onsite treatments on a chair or on a futon are restorative and refreshing. Short treatments can really help with immediate symptoms such as headaches, back ache, joint pain, anxiety, stress, eyestrain etc. Tuning into the body, becoming aware of the breath and our feet on the ground can be a very useful tool in any situation.
A treatment, whether long or short is a real tonic and leaves the receiver feeling deeply relaxed, calm and grounded.
If you are interested in finding out more, I would recommend the following texts:
Carola Beresford-Cooke - 'Shiatsu Theory and Practice'
Paul Lundberg - 'The Book of Shiatsu'
Shizuto Masunaga - 'Zen Shiatsu'
Ted J Kaptchuk - 'Chinese Medicine - The Web that has no Weaver'
Lao Tsu - 'Tao Te Ching'
and last but not least, a personal favourite of mine:
Simon Fall - 'As Snowflakes Fall, Shiatsu as Spiritual Practice'.
REFLEXOLOGY
Reflexology is an ancient form of healing used in many different cultures.
It works on the principal that every part of the body has its corresponding reflex point on the feet and hands.
Through a specialised massage of the feet and/or hands, areas of congested or blocked energy can be detected and worked on to restore the body's natural balance.
Reflexology can be extremely effective in treating many conditions including hormonal imbalances, anxiety, depression, bereavement, ibs, and migraine - it also improves circulation, promotes blood supply to all the nerve endings and eliminates toxins.
Reflexology is a natural, safe therapy encompassing mind, body and spirit to bring about a deep sense of calm, relaxation and wellbeing.
MASSAGE
by Cindy........
Holistic massage is a system that works on the whole body and is loosely based on Swedish massage techniques. It incorporates a variety of movements from gentle, rhythmic pressure to deeper work like kneading which helps to release muscular knots. Natural oils are used to aid the flow of movements and improve the skins texture.
Thai massage is a stimulating and energising technique that works deeply on the muscles using pressure points and stretches to improve flexibility, muscle tone and circulation. It is usually performed on a mat on the floor with the client dressed in loose comfortable clothing though certain techniques can also be performed on a massage table.
All types of massage have numerous benefits including:
- Stress relief
- Increase in circulation, improving the flow of oxygen and nutrients around the body
- Increased detoxification and lymphatic drainage
- Relief from aches and pains
- Feelings of wellbeing and reduction in anxiety and depression
- Better energy levels
- Reduced swelling
- Improved breathing
- Heightened immunity
- Lowered blood pressure
Usui Reiki:
Reiki is a popular and widely used system of energy healing that was rediscovered in Japan in the late 19th Century by Dr Mikao Usui although its origins are thought to be ancient. It was first brought to the West in the 1930's by Hawaya Takata where it has become one of the most recognised systems of energy work in use. Now there exist many variations on the traditional Usui style. It is a simple method which nevertheless can have a profoundly transformative effect on those who use it. Reiki can loosely be translated as 'passage of universal life force' and involves channelling 'ki', 'chi' or life energy through the hands of the practitioner to the recipient.
Reiki can help with all kinds of healing from acute aches and pains to chronic, ongoing conditions and is especially good for helping with emotional blockages and re-balancing energy. It heightens sensitivity and intuition and aids with spiritual development and connection. When the life force is blocked, stagnant or drained, feelings of stress, tiredness, depression, lethargy and anxiety can result or just a feeling of things being not quite right. This inevitably leads to physical illness which is really just our body's way of asking us to make changes in how we are living.
During a treatment the recipient lies on a couch whilst the practitioner scans their energy field for imbalances and then channels Reiki to help stabilise and harmonise the energetic flow. The healer will either place their hands gently on the body or just away from it within the auric field.
Usui Reiki is taught in four levels, each involving a series of attunements which open up the major energy centres within the student allowing them to channel much higher levels of energy. Level 1 is a beginner's workshop taught over a weekend which enables you to practice on friends and family. Level 2 qualifies you to practice professionally and use distant healing techniques. At 3a you learn the Master healing techniques and 3b enables you to attune and teach others.
Workshops in all levels are held regularly in Brighton and elsewhere
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
Indian head massage has been practiced on the Indian subcontinent for over 3000 years and is now becoming increasingly popular in the west.
It is an invigorating but relaxing massage of the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face, greatly relieving stress and muscular tension.
Indian head massage also improves lymphatic drainage, hair and scalp condition and relieves headaches - inducing clarity of thought.
With the client in a seated position, the treatment may be received as a dry massage over clothes or applied directly to the skin with the use of nourishing oils.
Indian head massage is an uplifting holistic therapy concentrating on achieving physical, emotional and spiritual health and wellbeing.