Shiatsu is a hands-on Japanese Zen Healing Art.
Shiatsu is more than a massage technique
The character “shi” means finger or toe. The character “atsu” translates as “slowly applied pressure maintained then slowly released” with the implication of the use of bodyweight rather than strength. Together the two characters symbolize a range of techniques used in a therapeutic way, delivered by bodyweight using either fingers, palms, elbows, knees or feet.
Shiatsu achieves unique results because of it’s holistic goals which attempt to treat the whole person rather than a specific medical complaint. Shiatsu is based on the time-honoured Oriental medical understanding that our physiological and psychological structures are supported and affected by meridians. Meridians are channels of living magnetic energy. A shiatsu practitioner can improve the Ki (chi, life-force, energy) flowing through the meridians to improve our general health and well being.
Shiatsu has a reputation for relieving pain or muscular tension, especially back and neck pain. Regular treatments can enhance overall physical vitality and emotional well being due to the deeply relaxing nature of the treatments which helps to reduce and prevent the build up of stress.
Shiatsu takes place on a traditional style futon and the recipient is fully clothed. Sessions can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, each session catering to the individual’s needs at the time. Practitioners may recommend specific lifestyle or dietary changes. They may also suggest specific exercises to assist with restoring energetic balance. Shiatsu is suitable for all ages and is also safe during pregnancy.
WHAT DOES SHIATSU FEEL LIKE?
How can you imagine Shiatsu without having ever received it? Remember the feeling of a baby or cat crawling across your back...the pleasurable quality of the padding pressure and body weight. The baby or cat did not need to learn a particular massage technique or study the right way to crawl over your back. They just did it, naturally and easily. This is the essence of Shiatsu!
BOOK A SESSION?
Booking a session with Nicky.
Nicky Hartley graduated as a Zen Shiatsu Therapist over 20 years ago having studied in India, the UK and completing her 4 years of training in Australia. She works now from a beautiful bush clinic in West Auckland.
Shiatsu gives one the sense of ‘coming back to oneself, 'reconnecting', 'deeply relaxing’.’mmmmmmm!'
Shiatsu can be as gentle and nourishing and as deep and dynamic as is needed.
Shiatsu supports a sense of general wellbeing, helping to relieve emotional stress, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalance, asthma, grief, anxiety, depression, aches and pains throughout the body.
Ki yoga, Do-In and nutritional advice is offered to assist in the healing process and further the treatment and to empower self healing.
Working with children has shown fast and instant relief from symptoms. They are so much more open and have less layers to peel back!
Shiatsu is fantastic during pregnancy being especially great for overdue mums to get bubs on the move! Nicky has incorporated a beautiful ritual at the end of pregnancy for the woman or couple to create their own mandala using henna on mama’s belly as well as marking the relevant points beneficial to use during labour.
Also incorporated into sessions are Reiki, Sound healing , Henna belly mandala and acupressure point tatoos for pregnancy as well as Ginger compress and Salt pack if required
Treatments vary between $80 - $120 (60 mins - 120 mins)
Please check out the Shiatsu Association of Aotearoa website for more information.
SHIATSU.ORG.NZ
