What is Shiatsu Treatment?

Shiatsu is a type of Japanese massage which is rapidly gaining exposure and popularity worldwide, due to its excellent therapeutic effects. Shiatsu is especially beneficial for people in high–stress situations, such as executives, and people whose bodies regularly undergo stress, such as athletes and musicians.

During a Shiatsu treatment, the recipient is fully–clothed, preferably in loose–fitting cotton clothing, lying on a mat on the floor. The practitioner then applies pressure to the meridian points (the same points on the body used in acupuncture).

Typically, the practitioner will complete each series of points three times. The first time may be slightly uncomfortable, as the muscle is being stretched for the first time. The second and third time a point is pressed will be less uncomfortable, since the muscle has already been stretched.

What are the benefits?

In addition to working on the physical level, in which the muscles are stretched, Shiatsu works on the energy level. The body stores tension in the meridians, and by pressing on these points, the stored tension is released, and an energy balance is restored.

The benefits of Shiatsu extend far beyond the treatment time. Patients typically report a feeling of being looser and lighter, very relaxed and balanced.

What are the types of Shiatsu?

There are several types of Shiatsu, some of which use hand, elbow, knee, and foot pressure on the meridians. We use only the thumbs for pressure, in the traditional Namikoshi – style of Shiatsu. Shiatsu may be done at light, moderate, or deep pressure, at the recipient’s request.

What is massage? What is bodywork and how do they differ?

Massage includes a number of disciplines which share the use of pressure, friction and strain upon the muscles and joints of the body for therapeutic or affectionate physical responses. There are several types of massage: massage for preventive general health, massage for relaxation, pampering or ‘beautification’, sports massage, massage for pain relief, rehabilitative massage (for recovery from physical injury), massage as an adjunct to medical or chiropractic treatment, and massage for personal psychological transformation.

The term ‘Bodywork’, is often used to refer to therapies that are often combined and confused with massage, e.g. Shiatsu, Trager, Rolfing, Polarity and Reflexology.

What is Chi Kung?

Chi Kung, also known as Qigong, means “Cultivating the life force”. Through meditation, breath control, and posture, it allows you to tap into your body, vital energy, or chi, to achieve a feeling of relaxed, energetic well–being. Chi Kung is essentially a practice to restore your vitality and attain optimal health and well–being.

What is Chi?

Chi, the essence of life, is the vital energy that flows through our bodies and the universe. In our bodies, it flows through channels, or meridians. Strong chi is the wellspring of health, while weak or blocked chi can lead to illness.

What types of illnesses can Chi Kung practice improve?

According to traditional Chinese medicine, Chi Kung practice is used to treat a wide range of illnesses or diseases, including asthma, diabetes and hypertension. Other common ailments frequently treated with Chi Kung include stomach disorders, back pains, headaches, insomnia, stress, and fatigue. Chi Kung by Achieve is not a substitute for the cure and advice you may be receiving from your doctor but rather a safe and effective compliment to your health regimen.

Will practicing Chi Kung conflict with my religious beliefs?

No. Chi Kung is a healing art based on traditional Chinese medicine, rather than a religious practice.

What’s special about Chi Kung by Achieve?

In Chi Kung by Achieve, a Chinese medical Chi Kung expert has combined the various elements of Chi Kung perfected over thousands of years into a simple, guided meditation program. It uses rich imagery and visualizations to help you manage the flow of your body’s chi to improve health, vitality, and overall well–being. Because it is a meditation and breathing program that does not rely on physical movements, it is appropriate for people of virtually all ages and physical conditions.

When will I see results?

Patience and dedication are important when practicing Chi Kung by Achieve. For the best results you should try to commit yourself to practicing the program twice daily for at least one month before making a judgment. Most practitioners experience noticeable results in 30 to 60 days.