Zenso Shiatsu –Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zen shiatsu?

Shiatsu evolved from an ancient form of Japanese body therapy.

It uses physical pressure and manipulative techniques to adjust the body's physical structure and its natural inner energies. This energy (Ki, Qi, Chi) is always present in the body and plays an important role in maintaining health and well being. Shiatsu activates and supports the body’s natural energy flow, clearing blocked pathways and enhancing circulation. It helps to ward off illness, and maintain good health.

Zen Shiatsu is a style created by Shizuto Masunaga in the mid 1970s.

What is a meridian?

According to traditional Eastern theory, energy (Ki, Qi, Chi) circulates in the body along channels called 'meridians.' These are the channels the acupuncturists tap into. The unobstructed flow of energy through these meridians is essential to good health. When the body is under stress, energy or Ki blockages occur causing physical, emotional, mental discomfort or pain. The Shiatsu therapist identifies these blockages and designs a treatment to restore the flow of Ki and support the body back to its natural balance.

How can I benefit from Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is used to maintain and restore health. It is also an effective preventative therapy. People of all ages, including children, can benefit from treatments.

Shiatsu is a holistic therapy which is effectively used for the treatment and prevention of a variety of conditions including:

Asthma and respiratory illnesses
Back & joint pain and RSI
Digestive disorders (inc. constipation, irritable bowel syndrome),
Pregnancy & menstrual issues
Headaches & migraines
Insomnia & fatigue
Muscle tension
Sports injuries
Stress, anxiety & depression

… and other acute and chronic disorders

What can I expect during my Shiatsu treatment?

Your treatment takes place on a soft futon on the floor. After discussing medical history, your therapist uses traditional diagnostic methods to identify areas of energetic imbalance in the body. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis reached as each Shiatsu is designed specifically for an individual's needs. Home care recommendations involving nutrition and exercise advice may be made in order to support the treatment changes.

How many treatments will I need?

You will benefit from a single treatment. Generally however, two to three treatments are often needed to support and strengthen your body’s new pathways.

What reactions can I expect after my Shiatsu treatment?

Following Shiatsu, due to the body’s natural healing process, you may experience:

Increased levels of energy or relaxation
Increased mobility / agility or stiffness
Increased levels of happiness or temporary sadness

Occasional Healing Reactions	*Temporary symptoms soon pass (better out than in)*
Headache	Toxins released during the treatment working their way out of the body
Stomach upsets or diarrhea
Frequent urination
Stiffness	Your body may feel stiff for a day or two if your muscles haven’t been working out lately
Lethargy	A response to new levels of relaxation
Coldness	Your body directs blood and Ki to your internal organs to enhance their function. (Keep warm but avoid hot baths which draw energy and circulation back to muscles and skin, undoing treatment effects).
Temporarily sadness, anger, confusion	Your body releases muscular and emotional knots; uncovers deep-seated emotional patterns or memories involving past emotions

Reactions to treatment will partly depend on your condition and how you were feeling before your treatment. Occasionally, new patients may have temporary healing reactions after the first few sessions. These occur when toxins released during the treatment work out through the body. Symptoms soon pass, usually in 12 hours at most.

Emotional releases may also occur over the course of a number of treatments. Emotional releases may take longer to work through and extra contact between sessions may be needed to talk through the reactions to treatment.

Your presenting complaint or symptoms may disappear	Your presenting complaint may remain	Your symptoms may seem worse (with increased relaxation and a new degree of body awareness, you'll be more in touch with your problem)	You may feel nothing. (This doesn't mean that treatment didn't work).
You might become aware of another, underlying condition	Other conditions may improve

How long does my Shiatsu treatment take?

Your Shiatsu treatment will last approximately 90 minutes. This includes diagnosis, treatment, nutritional advice and when necessary, demonstration of corrective exercises.

What can I do to make the most of my treatment?

Before treatment

Don’t eat heavily in the two hours prior to treatment.
Don’t drink alcohol or take recreational drugs before or after treatment.

After treatment

Do drink plenty of water to help the body eliminate toxins from the system.
Avoid strenuous or stressful activities after your session when possible.
To experience the full benefits of your treatment, you may wish to rest for an hour or so

What do I wear?

A cotton kimono is provided to wear during your treatment. If you prefer to remain fully clothed, treatment may also be received wearing loose comfortable clothing, preferably with natural fibre, as Shiatsu often involves flowing stretches and gentle rotations.

How much does it cost?

Zen Shiatsu Therapy (90 minutes) - $90
Shiatsu Therapy "Boost" (60 minutes) - $70
A Touch of Shiatsu (25 minutes) - $30

Can I get a health fund rebate?

Shiatsu is currently recognised for rebates by a number of the private health funds. Please check with your therapist for a listing of participating health funds.

Can I use Shiatsu with other therapies?

Shiatsu combines well with counselling and psychotherapy. It can be used together with western medical treatments and modalities to harmonise and strengthen the body. Your therapist will support you to explore how best to maintain your health.

How does Zen Shiatsu differ from Western massage?

Western massage primarily deals with the physical body and techniques that emphasise physical movement such as stroking, rubbing, kneading etc. Western Massage is “doing something to the person”.

Zen Shiatsu follows a system of Oriental Medicine which focuses on connecting with the receiver’s energy by gentle, sustained pressure on the meridians (energy channels). Zen Shiatsu creates awareness in the receiver of an imbalance, a problem or a neglected area.

Zen Shiatsu uses thumb, palm, elbow, knee and foot pressure in a way that causes energy to balance throughout the meridian system. Zen Shiatsu treatments affect the physical body and the psychological state of the receiver.