SHIATSU

Sacred Bodywork

Seeing human body as a temple of the soul, body work is a sacred act of homage, caring for on all levels. My work  originates in Zen Shiatsu as was practiced and taught by Japanese master Shizuto Masunaga. Its very base are the five elements of Ancient Chinese Medicine and Tao philosophy which allows me as a therapist have broad viewpoint.

In Zen Shiatsu through stretches and movements over meridians the body is supported to return to homeostasis - the natural state of balance in various body systems. Sensations of ease and lightness become more present as natural healing power is enhanced.

My journey to Sacred Bodywork

Already being a yoga practitioner and teacher, it took one afternoon to delve into shiatsu for years coming after. This journey began in 2016 entering a Zen Shiatsu school in Italy, rather unexpectedly but right away adoring it at the very depth and getting into the study and practice. Thai yoga massage came in addition soon after as a beautiful accompaniment bringing in a bit more playfulness and movement. Along the two, learning traditional Chinese medicine and the five elements, closely related to Tao philosophy, my vision of all there is changed greatly, becoming a practitioner therapist felt like a heavenly blessing.

The touch and beyond it

When we talk about an organ in Ancient Chinese Medicine, we mean it in its entire state: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and soul. In my work I trust the greater, the beyond mind, the higher energy to which both the therapist and the receiver are connected during the treatment and trust the universal Ki do what is does remaining instruments of the work.

We do neglect this and tend to forget it so often in the fast paced life we live these days. Touch is nourishing, therapeutic and necessary for anyones wellbeing. Shiatsu is a healing art that touches and balances the body physically, energetically, and emotionally. Applying penetration of the intensity needed to energy lines and pressure on points of the body combined with the stretching of muscles and  tissues as well as joint mobilisation, blockages are released and energy restored bringing natural back to the body on all levels. Recovering from injuries is greatly supported and chronic conditions may soon be relieved.

What to expect from a session

The session begins with a short talk with the client.  It allows us both to arrive and meet where the client is, and also guides me to understanding their needs and reasons regarding the treatment. It can be both physical issues, such as injuries, new of chronic, as well as internal ones that sometimes may need more time to be revealed. The treatment takes place on the futon, a cotton mattress on the floor. By touching specific points on the body diagnosis takes place, that allows me decide that exactly the work will be, the energy lines and points that will be treated during the session.

From the viewpoint of the receiver, the session most of the times feels as a deep body meditation reaching emotional and mental layers as well. People often describe the session of an hour like sleep of several hours, even though they have not been asleep. Experiences are different and very individual however, and yet best is come free of expectation. In my experience with shiatsu people have been healed from chronic pain, released emotional stagnation, improved their sleep, just to name a few.

Frequency of receiving treatments varies to every person. With more intense conditions it can be twice or three times a week, while when it is more of a general tuning in once a month may be enough.

Before and after the treatment

How to prepare

Shiatsu takes place on a futon (Japanese style cotton mattress) placed on the floor. Both the receiver and the practitioner wear comfortable clothing, softly covering most of the skin areas, allowing to stay warm. Whenever possible, I highly recommend to take a shower before coming for the session. Bring along clothes that are light, ideally of natural material, like cotton, linen or soft wool in colder seasons: a long sleeve top without buttons and trousers, as well as a pair of socks. Wear minimal makeup, if at all. Jewellery is best to be removed during the treatment.

After the treatment

Whenever possible, take some quiet time afterwards to allow the body to process and assimilate the work done. Be generous with drinking water or herbal tea of your choice. If a meal is taken, choose something light and possibly warm. Alcohol is to be avoided, as well as physical activities left for the days after. The body will be processing the treatment in the coming hours, let it rest.