What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork. Through working with the body's energy or ‘Ki', Shiatsu aims to restore the natural balance and flow of this energy, bringing about deep relaxation, easing tension and stiffness, releasing physical and emotional blockages and improving general health and well being. Shiatsu is a holistic therapy treating mind, body and spirit.

Shiatsu can benefit a wide range of symptoms. Some of the reasons people come for Shiatsu include:

• Physical pain or stiffness
• Digestive problems
• Headaches
• Tiredness, lethargy or low energy
• Anxiety or depression
• Stress
• General poor health

Shiatsu seeks to treat the body as a whole, and not to purely focus in on individual symptoms. By working in this way the receiver can not only feel a relief from symptoms but often also experiences an improvement in their general health and outlook.

Shiatsu treats the body and mind, and can help to bring about a stronger sense of self-awareness and understanding. It can facilitate healing and transformation and can complement traditional talking therapies such as counselling or psychotherapy. Many people find shiatsu has helped them to get in touch with themselves and work through emotional and psychological difficulties or adjust to lifestyle changes including:

• Bereavement or relationship breakdown
• Coping with long term illness
• Recovery from drug and alcohol dependency
• Low self esteem, eating disorders and self harm
• Feeling dissatisfied with life and wishing to make changes
• Shock and trauma

What happens during a treatment?

Shiatsu treatments are received fully clothed, usually lying on a futon, although sometimes it can be received sitting in a chair. Pressure is applied to the meridians (energy pathways) and the practitioner will usually use a combination of stretches, massage, pressure points and gentle holding.

Treatments are tailored to the individual and will be different for each client and each session. The way in which shiatsu practitioners work can differ, with each practitioner bringing in their own style, experiences and intuition.

Sessions last for about an hour, this will include some time for discussion but will be mainly focussed on working with the body. When coming for a treatment it is advisable for clients to wear loose, comfortable and warm clothes including socks.

How many treatments are needed?

Often some benefit is felt after the initial treatment, and sometimes a course of between 4 – 8 sessions are needed to gain maximum benefit. Treatment courses are tailored to your individual needs and can vary in number and frequency.

Practitioner Qualifications and Experience.

Rosie Freeman is a qualified Shiatsu practitioner and registered member of the Shiatsu Society. As well as running a private practice Rosie also has worked specifically treating people living with HIV and those in recovery from drug and alcohol dependency.

Rosie also has over 6 years experience as a support worker, supporting clients on a one to one basis through times of crisis providing practical and emotional support on a one to one basis, with particular experience in supporting people living with long term health problems such as HIV and cancer, people experiencing emotional trauma and distress, homelessness and those experiencing social isolation.

Booking treatment

As well as working at the Chandos Clinic on Monday evenings Rosie also offers appointments from a private practice in the Whitehall area of Bristol.

To book at treatment at Chandos call the clinic directly, or for more information or to book in Whitehall call Rosie on 07980279452 or email info@shiatsubodywork.co.uk or visit her website www.shiatsubodywork.co.uk

Treatments cost £40 for a one-hour session.