What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing and energising traditional therapeutic massage from Japan. It is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Meridian Therapy and uses different types of touch, pressure and movement along these meridians to stimulate the Qi and blood. Shiatsu aims to nourish, balance and strengthen the body, mind and emotions.When the body and mind are out of balance, there is constriction and illness, when they are in balance, Qi (energy) and blood flow freely bringing health and vitality.

There are so many things that can affect this balance in our bodies, such as stress, fatigue, diet and lifestyle; Shiatsu and Oriental Medicine Therapy takes into consideration the physical, mental and emotional factors that influence a person’s health. Diagnosis is made following a discussion of client symptoms, pulse taking, and tongue and hara evaluation; we then determine the patterns of imbalance in each person and a treatment is designed to treat root causes as well addressing the presenting symptoms.

Shiatsu can help with...

• Women’s Health
• Menstrual pain
• Perimenopause/Menopause
• Pre and Post Pregnancy
• Pregnancy

• Stress and Tension
• Fatigue/Exhaustion and Insomnia
• Muscular and Joint Pain
• Headaches and Migraines
• Anxiety and Depression

• Digestive Support
• Respiratory Support
• Immune Support
• Chronic Health Issues
• General Health Maintenance

Shiatsu & Lifestyle Therapies

Meridian Therapy & Acupressure

Shiatsu uses different forms of pressure including, hands, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet, as well as stretches and rotations, to move energy through the body’s meridians in order to build and strengthen deficiency, clear excess or stagnation, and bring the body back into balance. Treatment may include lots of movement with stretches, as well as periods of stillness while holding acupressure points. Cupping or Moxa may also be used over specific acupressure points during treatment.

Dietary & Lifestyle

TCM Foods have different energetic values that can impact our body in different ways. Advice may be given to help support the healing process.

Lifestyle advice may also be given in the form of stretches and exercise, or sleep and relaxation recommendations.

Oriental Therapies

Guasha

(spooning or scraping)

Guasha involves using a smooth-edged spoon or tool in long repeated strokes to scrape areas of your body to release stagnant Qi and blood and restore their free flow. It is particularly good for headaches and to relieve pain or tension in the neck, back and shoulders. Scraping may produce red marks on the skin know as Sha, which will fade within a few days.

Cupping

Cupping involves attaching small glass cups to the body through heat or suction, to produce negative pressure, drawing the skin, muscles and fascia into the cup. It can relieve muscular aches and pain, alleviate symptoms of cold, draw out stagnation, clear toxins, as well as promote the circulation of Qi and blood to promote healing in the area.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion (or moxa) is a form of heat therapy. It involves burning moxa (mugwort herb), in the form of a small cone placed on the skin, or in the form of a stick that is held close to the skin. The moxa penetrates heat down to specific acupoints or parts of the meridian, to nourish, warm and improve Qi and blood flow in depleted areas, as well as helping to reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle and joint pain or stiffness.

What to expect during treatment

Diagnosis is made following a discussion of client symptoms, pulse taking, tongue and hara evaluation. We then determine the patterns of imbalance in each person, and a treatment is designed to treat root causes as well address the presenting symptoms.

Treatment occurs on a futon mattress on the floor and covered with a sheet or blanket. Treatment positions may be on your back, stomach or side. Clients remain clothed during treatment so comfortable clothing is recommended. If Guasha, cupping or moxa is being used then clients may need to remove a layer of clothing.

The initial treatment will last for 1 hour and 15 minutes and subsequent treatments will be 1 hour, with approximately 50 minutes of body work and 10 minutes of discussion prior to and post treatment.

Practitioner

Sarah Coles

Dip. Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies

Member of Shiatsu Association of Australia

As a mother of three children and having received Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy for the last 25 years, I have experienced the many benefits that shiatsu can bring, and the many issues Shiatsu can assist to heal. When my youngest child started school, I decided to pursue my interest in this area by study Shiatsu at the Australian Shiatsu College. Shiatsu is a wonderful way to look after your health, and enjoy a beautiful, deeply relaxing and healing treatment. I have a strong interest in supporting women through the different stages of life, in creating a safe and comfortable space where the whole person is considered, and providing a tailored and nourishing treatment.

Appointments

Location

Oakdale Dental and Wellness Centre

157 Mackie Road, Bentleigh East

Our Schedule

Cost