We had the hottest summer since records began and the new academic year has started. September 23rd is the official start of autumn. When summer moves into autumn it is important to take time to relax and rest. Shiatsu is the perfect way to help the transition.
The Five Elements are a fantastic model for discovering the cycles of life and nature and their part in our life.
The five elements are Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth.
Each element has its strengths, qualities and propensity in nature, so they can be cultivated in us as human beings – to run like water, bend like wood, ascend like fire, ground like earth and demarcate like metal. These elements and their qualities can be stimulated by the right quality of touch on the body.
Autumn is the season of the metal element which is related to our lungs and large intestine, the element of clarity, value identity and character. This gives the gift of boundaries, focus, leadership and clear authority. The metal element also brings healthy self-confidence, knowing who you are and your worth in the world. Each breath is appreciated and brings us in to the living moment, the certainty of our mortality while we are actively alive! When metal is dreary, life can turn lonely. We sense the isolation of our unique selves, existential and solo, the borders are too clear, rigid and frail. This is a situation of profound grief but a grief not mourned, withered and broken inside, all alone. It represents our basic sense of solitude and loneliness, encircled by autumn leaves and stripped trees. The breath of life is diminished and with it can arrive respiratory difficulties and bowel problems as letting go is tough and hurting. Skin problems show up since it reflects our boundaries and with it a loss of self image. The sharp edge of life is in need of re-modelling and defining to notice our uniqueness and the paradox of being alone and belonging.
Shiatsu aims to recharge the elements, different parts of the body hold these potent energies and shiatsu can wake them up with the right touch and intention. Often the body is waiting to be held in a certain way in a particular place. When we are met in an appropriate way a deep change can take place.
Shiatsu is not something that is DONE to you, but with you, paying attention to both you and your body’s deep needs and wishes and replying to and meeting them in the moment, with your full participation. Shiatsu is a dance, following a pulse of an unfolding process of awareness and a celebration.
Why should I have Shiatsu?
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This is one of the frequently asked questions I receive. I have been practising Shiatsu for 16 years and I have observed the impact and change in a person over time.
Shiatsu is a form of massage/bodywork, applied through the clothes and incorporates simple release points, stretching techniques and holding positions. Its essence is simple and effective and oftentimes promotes self-realisation and wellness. Shiatsu gives an awareness of body posture, breathing and exercise. Shiatsu moves the body’s vital and necessary energy (known as Qi or Ki) and is relaxing, yet remarkable in its results. The body starts to re-adjust itself and healing occurs. The receiver in Shiatsu is assisted by me to become more sensitive to one’s own body and mind as a complete whole, on both conscious and subconscious levels. One notices areas of tension or fragility on a physical or emotional basis and through this process ease and release takes place.
In Shiatsu we focus on the whole person, rather than conditions. Most people, healthy or ill, and of all ages from babies to the elderly can benefit from it. Shiatsu helps to enhance health and zest and clients use it as a preventative health care programme, self care or part of stress management. Further, Shiatsu is brilliant if you are feeling unwell without a known medical condition. Nevertheless, if you do have an illness or injury which you may or may not need orthodox medical treatment, Shiatsu can still support you. It may well be relaxation or stress reduction, or creating a space where you are being listened to.
People come to Shiatsu for all kinds of reasons. Some come with specific conditions varying from the acute to chronic from physical to the more emotional. They might present structural problems such as stiff necks, bad backs or poor posture, as well as menstrual problems, digestive difficulties, headaches and migraines or psychological issues such as stress and depression. Often I see people during major changes in their lives, such as, loss of someone, a move, divorce, trauma, puberty, infertility, pregnancy and menopause.
Shiatsu is complementary health care and seen as an addition to western medicine. Shiatsu works with the energy of the body: so there are limitations. This is also the reason why it is “safe”.
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If the subject posed any questions for you, do not hesitate to contact me. If you like to forward this newsletter to friends or family, I welcome it.
See you soon.
Best wishes,
Doris
Headache & Migraine
Welcome to the latest Shiatsu London Newsletter. It is a time where Zephyrus has blown with the renewal of spring time. We’ve had a cold spell, though and we are all looking forward to warmer weather.
Almost all of us endure headaches at some time. It is a common symptom associated with many illnesses, for example, flu, the common cold, toothache, allergies, hay fever, sinus problem, nose and eye diseases and menstrual irregularities. It comes without specific causes, as well. Headaches alter the circulation of blood in the head due to physical, emotional and dietary causes. About 90% of headaches are caused by tension. A migraine is an extreme, throbbing pain that usually begins on one side of the head but may strike the whole head. The pain can last for hours or days and often doesn’t respond to common painkillers such as aspirin.
From a Shiatsu point of view (which is based on Oriental medicine), digestive imbalances are the cause of headaches and imbalances in the liver and gall bladder channels are the source of migraines. The role of Shiatsu therapy for these conditions is to disperse stagnant Ki (i.e. blocked energy) in the neck and head, particularly on the gall bladder channel to the side of the head, which would be the initial treatment to ease symptoms. Specifically, concentrating on a point at the back of the skull (Gall Bladder 20) would have a strong movement in clearing stagnant Ki from the head.
Gentle fingertip pressure applied to the space between the eyebrows (Yin Tan point) also transfers stagnant Ki and will raise a cloudy mind accompanying a headache.
Overall if headaches are very severe I would recommend to see your GP.
Shiatsu clients can expect to receive relief from headaches and migraines. Shiatsu given at a deeper rooted level provides long term improvements.
What you can do:
Identify and eliminate your headache or migraine triggers.
Try relaxation training to cope with stress.
Make sure you are well hydrated.
Practice deep breathing, which increases oxygen supply to the brain.
Eat five or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
Did you know?
Treating headaches with painkillers can, in time, interfere with the body’s natural ability to fight pain.
Wishing you good health this spring!
Doris www.shiatsulondon.com mob: 07941 171725
Stress
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Stress
Dear Shiatsu Friends,
I hope you are in good health and enjoying snowy and sunny days we are experiencing.
With the pace of our modern life, stress and stress related conditions seem to be markedly increasing. Stress in the work environment give rise to more sick days off work than the common cold. The BBC Healthwatch programme identified that 80% of all GP’s appointments are stress related.
Stress arises when demands on an individual surpasses one’s potential to manage and feel in control. An inordinate amount of negative pressure exerted on a particular person could lead to breaking point and an inability to cope overall.
Stress for one human being at a particular time may not be stress for another human being at the same time. Equally, at a different moment in time it may not be stressful to the first person. Stress is often caused from a perception of a situation, rather than the situation itself. It is better to resolve stress when it arises than left until it becomes chronic.
Almost all stresses in contemporary life causing fear and ‘fight or flight’ response are not set free by physical means as they should be, instead there is a propensity to build up tension in body and mind. Most people have no strong family or community support as in the past, so have no one to lean on and may feel lonely.
The accumulation of stress and tension within oneself creates ‘overload’ and at this moment stress begins to diminish health. The chemical and hormonal alternations which can affect every organ when the body and mind are stressed have not adapted with modern civilisation and the system designed to protect us from external danger is now a contributory factor in cancer, heart disease, mental illness and many degenerative diseases.
The stress may be external – from the environment, adapting to constant change, information overload or work and family pressures from others which are accepted.
Or the tension may be internally generated through not releasing feelings appropriately, inactive lifestyle, self-inflicted expectations or any mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual struggle.
Stress can influence heart rate, breathing, muscle function, hormonal balance, memory, the immune system, acid production in the stomach and many other bodily functions. In addition, it can cause anxiety and depression or panic attacks.
The person who needs aid is invariably ‘stuck’, whatever the reason for stress overload and unfit to move forward without some structure for help and intervention.
Rest and a break are required.
Shiatsu gives supportive, positive touch, necessary for healthy human development and especially helpful in stress related conditions.
Shiatsu offers a clear process for working with and managing change. It looks at the person holistically and their interaction with nature, taking into consideration both internal and external influences.
Shiatsu treatments can advance people from a stuck position. Breathing exercises assist in letting go of physical and emotional stresses and tension, stretching and gentle holding techniques help muscles relax, heart rate reduces, anxiety diminishes and the mood gets a lift.
Shiatsu helps looking at stressful situations from a different angle and guiding the individual towards attitudinal or lifestyle changes. Stressors are not going to disappear, so help is provided in focusing on what can truly be changed.
Shiatsu is very helpful where there is a deep emotional cause for stress as the relevant meridian can be worked on.
Shiatsu can be particularly beneficial in depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. It provides a safe place to be listened to, a sense of connectedness and the chance for peace and quiet. Shiatsu gives physical touch without invasion, building a trusting relationship and acceptance of where the client is at that moment. Shiatsu can provide a different view on illness which the client can make sense of and nourishes physical calming and relaxation of the nervous system without any side effects.
Shiatsu treatments offer clarity of thought and creativity aiding in decision making, especially important in times of stress or adjustment.
If the subject posed any questions for you, do not hesitate to contact me. If you would like to forward this news letter to friends or family, I welcome it.
See you soon.
Best wishes,
Doris www.shiatsulondon.com mob: 07941 171725
2017 is coming to an end
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2017 is coming to an end
Dear Shiatsu Friends,
The days are getting shorter and we moving towards winter solstice. The shortest day is December 21st and also marks the official beginning of winter. The tilt of the Earth’s axis is least aligned with the sun, giving us the least amount of daylight of the year.
It is Christmas in two and a half weeks. We are already in the joyful season. I’ll be spending Christmas and the New Year in London and will be available for Shiatsu sessions.
We had already some cold spells and this weekend the temperatures are supposed to drop. So keep warm and protect yourself from the environment. I find it helpful to check the weather broadcast, so I have a clue what to expect, and dress accordingly.
It is most important to keep your feet warm because of cold invasion from the soles of your feet. Avoid exposure to wind and drafts. Wear a hat and gloves. I survived six bitterly cold and sunny winters in Canada, Montréal and learned how to embrace – 20 ° degree Celsius.
Take care of yourself so you can enjoy the festive season and the winter.
Regular Shiatsu treatments may help to boost your immune system and keeping well.
If your immune system is working well:
-You throw off flu viruses and infections easily
-You aren’t constantly itching or sneezing
-You feel well and strong
Looking after your immune system pays off. I believe enough good quality sleep is one of the key ingredients. A healthy diet consisting of fresh cooked grains, vegetables, fruit, 10% protein and 5% good fats is essential. Our bodies are designed to move which means we need to be active.
Simple actions like washing your hands regularly can make a difference. Stress can be a big factor. Last but not least, breathing deeply and not neglecting the exhale.
Enjoy this festive season and I look forward to see you again.
I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Healthy and Thriving New Year.
If you are looking for a special gift I can provide you a gift voucher for a Shiatsu session.
If the subject posed any questions for you, do not hesitate to contact me. If you like to forward this news letter to friends or family, I welcome it.
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Yours in Health,
Doris www.shiatsulondon.com mob: 07941 171725
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Repetitive Strain Injury
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Repetitive Strain Injury
Dear Shiatsu Friends!
I hope this message finds you in good health and you are enjoying the lovely autumn colours we have in the gardens and parks. Today, I’d like to write about RSI which is what I am seeing on a regular basis in my Shiatsu clinic.
What is RSI?
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a group of injuries impacting the muscles, tendons and nerves predominantly of the neck and upper limbs. It is a common category and is also known as Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD).
Two kinds of RSI:-
• Specific Conditions – tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tennis elbow, De Quervain’s Syndrome, etc.
• Diffuse RSI – no precise diagnosis but lots of symptoms occur. Sometimes it is called non-specific pain syndrome.
Typical symptoms of RSI include pain, aches, swelling, cramps, numbness, tingling and weakness. With diffuse RSI there are usually no visible signs.
RSI is triggered by repetition and overuse, static posture and/or awkward positions and inadequate recovery time. Stress usually plays a part.
RSI is preventable and treatable with Shiatsu, moxibustion therapy, cupping and ginger compress. It is most important not to disregard the early warning signs.
If you have any of the symptoms of RSI take action on prevention. Shiatsu is a preventative therapy and can help with all the symptoms of RSI.
Ways to minimise your risk of developing RSI
When using a computer, playing sport or music take regular breaks.
Good posture and if you can’t hold good posture, the body tells you it’s time for a pause. Check your workstation and adjust if necessary.
Exercise regularly.
Use the computer only as much as you have to.
Avoid gripping the writing utensil tightly. Use minimum efforts as someone should be able to easily pull your pen out of your hand when you are writing.
RSI can happen to everybody. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me. If you would like to forward this news letter to friends and family, I welcome it.
With warmest wishes,
Doris www.shiatsulondon.com mob: 07941 171725*
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doris@shiatsulondon.com .