Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shiatsu OK for seniors, the disabled or children to receive?
Yes, Shiatsu is safe and effective for people of all ages and health conditions. Shiatsu was traditionally done within the family in Japan, with all the generations working on each other. Shiatsu is always performed for the condition and comfort of each person.
What is Asian Bodywork helpful for and can it fix my problem?
ABT balances the whole body, so it is helpful for a variety of complaints. However, always seek qualified medical attention and clearance from your doctor for more serious conditions. Also, due to the severity and length of time you may have had your condition, it may take longer to get relief and you may need to incorporate lifestyle changes and other therapies to achieve your desired results. Following are things ABT can be helpful for:
- stress symptoms
- headaches
- migraines
- allergies
- sinus pain
- TMJ and face pain
- poor digestion
- constipation
- fatigue
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Arthritis
- musculoskeletal complaints
- pain, weakness, and stiffness in neck, back, hips, shoulders
- joint pain and stiffness
- lack of flexibility
- Scoliosis back discomfort
- colds, flu (after you are recovering)
- PMS
- menstrual difficulties
- menopause
- pregnancy
- grief, anxiety, anger
- Anorexia and Bulemia
- athletic enhancement
- children and teens
How is Shiatsu different from traditional massage?
Shiatsu differs from massage in many ways. First, we work the whole body while you are fully clothed and use no oils. We may use some powder on bare hands, feet or neck. Second, Shiatsu works along the TCM ‘meridians’ or energetic pathways of the body. These energy pathways cover the whole body and run through muscles, across joints, and internally. We access the energy by pressing specific points for your condition or by opening the energy pathways with kneading, rocking, pressing, range of motion exercises and stretching. Third, while Shiatsu feels great on tight muscles like a massage, massaging the muscles is not the main goal. The goal is to relieve pain and tightness by moving and balancing stagnant energy. Finally, most people report feeling relaxed and more energetic after a session.
What is TCM?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a 2,000 year old tradition of touch therapies, acupuncture, herbal and dietary medicine, and movement and breathing exercises. TCM is based on principles of nature, including living in balance with your environment and the seasons, and also having harmony in relationship to your body. Both China and Japan have systems of bodywork therapy, daily movement and breathing for health and longevity. They are based on the concept of energy or life-force in the body called ‘Chi’ or ‘Ki”. This energy is in pathways called ‘meridians’ or ‘channels’ that run throughout the body.
There are twelve main meridians on both sides of the body, with more than three hundred acupuncture points. These meridians and points relate to organ systems in the body. These meridians have distinct energy characteristics and relate to both physical health, as well as the emotional mind/body. Pain, fatigue, tightness and mental/emotional disharmony are due to stagnation of energy, or patterns of excess or deficiency. Asian Bodywork Therapies utilize TCM in assessing and treating disharmony in the body. The goal is to bring the whole person back to a balanced and free flowing state.