Raquel Negamine

Shiatsu Therapist
Diploma of Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies

What is Shiatsu? 
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese therapy. It is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. It literally means finger-pressure. Although it traditionally uses the fingers and thumbs only, it's also practiced with the use of the elbows, forearms, feet and knees, applied using the practitioner's natural body weight. The pressure applied in specific points on the body, combined with stretches, joint rotations and rhythmic movement make the treatment different than a massage. 

The aim of a Shiatsu practitioner is to balance the flow of energy (Qi), along the meridians of the body. The practitioner feels for excessive or deficient energy (Qi) and works along the body encouraging the individual's natural flow of energy. Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience. The pressure can be firm, but always applied with sensitivity. 

Regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress and encourage the body to readjust according to its needs. Common chronic conditions helped by Shiatsu include: stress, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, back pain, neck stiffness, joint pain, PMS, menstrual and digestive problems. In some cases, those responding to Shiatsu may also benefit from Acupuncture. 

What to expect from a treatment?
You lay down on a futon, with comfortable clothes on. The practitioner palpates your abdomen to feel the Qi excesses and deficiencies. According to your needs, the practitioner uses different Shiatsu sequences along the body, which include applying pressure, holding points, rotating joints or stretching. The principles of Shiatsu The vital energy in our body is the fundamental concept of Chinese Medicine and Shiastu: Qi or Chi (Chinese) or Ki (Japanese). Qi flows along the body in specific pathways called meridians. The Shiatsu practitioner is trained to recognize patterns of disharmony by accessing the Qi through points along the meridians (same as in acupuncture). Health is present when abundant Qi flows unobstructed in the meridians. When Qi becomes obstructed or unbalanced, minor signs such as muscular pain, headaches or digestive difficulties arise. A Shiatsu session moves the body Qi very powerfully. 

Shiatsu stimulates and harmonizes the flow of Qi. This means the next day or two after the session, a client might experience signs of it. This could include, for example: soreness in some points of the body, unexpected emotions coming up, change in the sleeping pattern. Some people will only experience deep relaxation and wellness. There is no right or wrong way of feeling after a Shiatsu treatment. We are all different, so our bodies respond to it accordingly. 

So why should you get a Shiatsu treatment? 
Think of a blocked sink. The water still manages to go down, but the performance of the drain is not at its best. You know it can get better. It irritates you sometimes. You tend to ignore it, so it doesn't bother you at most of the times. I find this analogy easy to explain how Shiatsu works. By palpating the meridians in the body ('drains'), the practitioner unblocks them, encouraging the free flow of energy ('water'). The old stagnation comes up to the surface in the form of, for example, a headache or frustration ('bubbles and dirty water coming up the drain before it unblocks'). The Qi in your body goes back to its natural flow. The flow you feel when you are balanced and calm. How often should I get Shiatsu? As a general rule, Shiatsu is better done regularly than in an intensive block. Strategies will change from client to client. During the first 4 sessions, I encourage a gap of one to two weeks between sessions. Then, I leave it up to the client's intuition to feel when it's needed. Benefits for the body and mind By balancing your body's vital energy (Qi) you can experience: - More vitality - Good sleep - Better circulation - Clearer mind The Shiatsu practitioner may suggest life style changes according to the client's needs in order to achieve balance. Contraindications

Shiatsu is contraindicated for most acute conditions, including: High fever, intoxication (drug or alcohol), early pregnancy (before 12 weeks), high risk pregnancy (former miscarriages, hemorrhaging), contagious disease (e.g. chicken pox, measles, severe flu), severe osteoporosis, severe nerve damage, leukemia (cancer of blood cells). Disclaimer: Please see your doctor if you are unsure about your condition. Shiatsu works as a complimentary therapy only.

Cost:  $95.00 1hr /$130.00 1.5hrs  (you may be eligable for private health fund rebates)
To discuss your needs or to make an appointment
Contact: Raquel  M: 0415 840 706 
  or click here for profile information. 

---