What to expect

If something is not covered here, send me a message and I will happily answer.

Your first Shiatsu
When you come for your first session, we will chat about your health, lifestyle, and any concerns you might have. This helps tailor the treatment just for you! I might check your pulse or tongue as a form of diagnosis, and ask questions about your daily habits like sleep and diet to get a complete picture of your health. I might palpate the hara in subsequent sessions if consent is given. The hara is the abdomen, which Shiatsu treats as the centre of the body. I often begin by gently feeling the hara which helps guide the rest of the session.

What to wear
Shiatsu is a fully-clothed treatment! Please wear loose, comfy clothing like a t-shirt or long sleeved top, pants, and socks. Tight or restrictive clothing like jeans, shorts, skirts and singlets are less ideal.

The space
The treatment is received on a futon on the floor, which allows the me to use my body weight effectively. It can also be performed on a massage table or chair, if required. Please let me know in advance so I can arrange the room.

The treatment
Various techniques like pressing, kneading, soothing, tapping, and stretching with hands, thumbs, knees and elbows are used. Gentle to firm (but never painful) pressure is applied along your body's energy pathways (called meridians) and specific points along these pathways. Your comfort is always the main priority, so it’s important we get the pressure just right.

Additional techniques
The treatment might also include gentle assisted stretches and corrective techniques. If appropriate, ancillary techniques like Cupping, Gua Sha, or Moxibustion might be weaved into your session. If these techniques require you to partially remove clothing, I will always ask for your consent first.

Afterwards
It's common to feel deeply relaxed, and more in tune with your body. Most often, people say that they have not felt so relaxed in a long time. It is recommended to drink plenty of water post treatment, rest if you are able to, and notice any changes in how you feel over the next day or two.