Oriental Therapy takes a holistic, preventative approach to health concerns taking into account the whole person and the systemic imbalances that give rise to physical, mental and emotional disturbances.
Conditions which may respond well to Shiatsu treatment include headaches, fatigue, back, neck and shoulder pain, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu literally means finger (shi) pressure (atsu). The Shiatsu practitioner uses direct pressure, muscle stretching and joint mobilisation to awaken and restore the free flow of qi (energy) in the body. This improves circulation, releases tension from muscles and joints, promotes relaxation and has a therapeutic effect upon the internal organs, immune and nervous systems.
Shiatsu is excellent for general health maintenance and as a preventative therapy, strengthening the body’s self healing abilities. Conditions which may respond well to Shiatsu treatment include headaches, back, neck and shoulder pain, anxiety, stress, pain, and insomnia.
An initial treatment involves taking a health history to determine health imbalances according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles and diagnostic techniques such as pulse and tongue diagnosis. A Shiatsu is given and then there is time for discussion on diet and lifestyle recommendations.
Follow-up treatments are given according to a treatment plan with a reassessment at the 3rd or 4th visit. Once your health and wellbeing has improved a regular Shiatsu is advised to maintain the good changes that have been made. Traditional Oriental therapies of Moxibustion (a warming herb), Cupping and Gua Sha (tools used to improve circulation and relieve muscle tension) may also be used where appropriate.
Shiatsu is performed clothed on a traditional futon on the floor.
Pregnancy Shiatsu
Shiatsu can be a wonderful support for the huge physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. Pregnancy Shiatsu is received in a comfortable side-lying position supported by cushions and pillows so the mother can easily release physical, mental and emotional tension related to pregnancy. Pregnancy Shiatsu massage is safe through all three trimesters. It may help alleviate fatigue and body aches as pregnancy progresses, promote better circulation and create space for the mother to focus on her own self care . Treatments can also include exercises for pregnancy, visualisations to help connect with baby and self-care strategies.
Remedial Cupping
A traditional therapy used across many cultures, cupping involves the application of glass cups to the skin using negative pressure suction. Cups are applied directly to the skin in areas of pain or weakness to invigorate blood and qi flow, release tension in the muscles and draw out toxins.
Oriental Dietary Therapy
Oriental Dietary Therapy offers a unique and powerful approach to dietary nutrition. In contrast to Naturopathy and Western Nutrition, foods are understood in terms of their thermal nature, and their specific effects upon the quality and circulation of qi, blood, fluids, yin and yang energies in the body. Different foods and cooking styles suit different individuals – there is no one diet fits all.
Oriental Dietary Therapy aims to empower you with knowledge about everyday foods, cooking, food sourcing and healthy ways of eating while supporting you to make simple dietary adjustments to suit your constitution and lifestyle. A consultation involves a comprehensive health and dietary assessment, a dietary treatment plan and follow up plan.