What is Shiatsu Massage Therapy?

Following on from the launch of our dedicated Holistic Therapy Team here at Ragdale, this week we caught up with fully qualified Shiatsu Practitioner, Jon Jarvis, to hear more about this ancient Japanese art of healing. Jon began his journey in Shiatsu in 1999.

Shiatsu treatment time: 55-minutes

What exactly is Shiatsu?

“Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on Japanese healing therapy, that supports and strengthens the body’s natural ability to heal and balance itself.

“Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and works on the person as a whole – the physical body, psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of being.

“It would be recommended as a one off to relieve a symptom or to help prevent stress blockages.”

Are there any conditions it is helpful for and why is this?

“It can help in a wide range of conditions – from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. The most common conditions I come across are back injuries or stress from modern day living. Other more common issues could be digestive problems, menstrual problems, sports injuries or headaches. As a Shiatsu Practitioner, we’re trained to treat both mental and physical conditions.

 “The Oriental tradition of Shiatsu defines the world in terms of energy, and one of the fundamental concepts of Chinese/Japanese medicine is called ‘Ki’ by the Japanese, ”Chi”, or ‘Qi’, in China. Ki is the vital energy in our body that underlies all functioning.

“Ki flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians – a little bit like waterways – and emotional, physical and spiritual energy flow through them. For many different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely by either becoming deficient or out of balance, or because of an obstruction, and as such symptoms arise. Shiatsu stimulates and harmonises the flow of Ki throughout the body.”

What can you expect during a session?

“An experienced Shiatsu Practitioner will consider your state of health, the symptoms you are experiencing and, depending on your constitution and general energy levels, will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy flow.

“I begin the therapy with a chat with the individual, talking about their lifestyle and medical background, and discuss any symptoms they might exhibiting. I would then assess the body through a posture analysis and assess the energy centres on their body. From that I can draw a conclusion and begin the therapy.

 “During the treatment, I may find that a channel has become blocked or out of balance and use techniques to normalise the flow of energy. Finger or palm pressure may be used or sometimes, if needed, I might use knees, elbows or feet. It’s important to note (especially for those who haven’t tried Shiatsu therapy before) that we use touch, comfortable pressure and manipulative techniques to adjust the body’s physical structure. The treatment is very much tailored to the individual.

“This therapy generally takes place on a mat on the floor, and you remain fully clothed at all times.”

How long does it take?

“The treatment time at Ragdale Hall Spa is 55 minutes, which includes a consultation/diagnosis and treatment.”

How regularly should one have Shiatsu?

“For a more chronic condition, you might have up to 4-5 sessions a week, but most people tend to have it once a month.”

For more information on this treatment and details on how to book, click here.

What our guests say….

“Massive thank you to Jon for his Shiatsu treatment.  I crashed out for an hour after the treatment and I then felt a million times better than I had done in ages.”

“Thank you for a rejuvenating, therapeutic massage.  I felt the benefits for the rest of the day and did not wake up the next day with any aches (despite two exercise classes!)”

“I had Soft Tissue Remedial Therapy and would like to say a BIG thank you to Jon who carried out the treatment, this man is brilliant.  Jon’s treatment restored my back to normal after years of suffering. I have had no pain since the treatment, my bad back has gone, as if by Magic!”

An introduction to Shiatsu – watch now!