What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a traditional hands-on japanese healing therapy. It is deeply relaxing and regular shiatsu helps to prevent the build up of stress on our daily lives. The philosophy underlining shiatsu is that vital energy (ki) flows through the body in a series of channels called meridians.

For different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely and this then produces a symptom.  As the quality of ki changes the symptoms will gradually improve. Shiatsu is a therapy that works on the individual as a complete being. Not just on the body but also on an emotional and mental levels.

Research by The University of Leeds published a study in 2007 about the effects and experience of Shiatsu across Austria, Spain and UK.

Here are some findings:

1- What the clients hoped to get from having Shiatsu treatment was: relaxation, stress reduction, relief from physical symptoms, emotional help and support, enhanced awareness of mind and body.

2- A statistically significant reduction in symptoms severity was found for all of the symptom groups from baseline to 3 & 6 months follow up. The greatest reduction was for tension and stress followed by problems with muscles, joints or body structure, including back pain and posture.

3- Across countries clients overwhelmingly agreed with the statement that Shiatsu has been effective in treating symptoms.

4- They were also very positive about their relationship with their practitioner.

What to expect in a session

Each session last approx 1 hour. On the first session I may take a case history according to the principles of Traditional chinese medicine. The client stays fully clothed. I will use a variety of techniques to improve your energy flow. Gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, kness and feet on the meridians and rotations and streteches can all be used.

Following a treatment, there can be a feeling of increased vitality and you may feel invigorated yet relaxed. Guidelines for receiving shiatsu

Please bring or wear loose comfortable clothing, preferably cotton. Do not eat heavily 2 hours prior to treatment.

Do not drink alcohol before or after treatment

After treatment drink plenty of water to smooth the flow of changes

Avoid if possible strenuos or stressful activites after your session

Common conditions which have been helped by shiatsu

Headaches, migraines whiplashes,neck stiffness

Asthmatic symptoms

Back pain,joint pain, reduced mobility

Digestive problems

Menstrual problems

Depression, anxiety

Benefits of shiatsu

It relaxes mind and body

It restores energy

It eases tension and stiffness

It improves breathing and posture

It improves circulation

It enhances well being

About Anna Fra “The London Shiatsu Therapist”

I am a fully qualified and insured Shiatsu Therapist. I have been practising shiatsu since 2000 following 3 years of training at the European Shiatsu school in London. I also hold a degree in Psychology by the University of Salamanca in Spain.

I started working on a voluntary basis at the Stress Project in Islington with clients with anxiety and depression referred from the NHS.

I currently work for the charities Equinoxcare, SHP and One Housing. I help clients going through detoxification from substance abuse and clients with long term mental health problems.

I work at  the Alternative therapy centre Health in the City, in London Wall near Liverpool st stn

Over the years I have developed my own way of doing Shiatsu. It combines the Zen approach of hara and meridian diagnosis and the principles of Chinese Medicine plus useful techniques I have learnt  either from other bodywork  therapies,  training or as a receiver of therapy myself.

My sessions are faithful to the principles of Kyo and Jitsu which are the main two concepts in Shiatsu.

There is no official translation for this two japanese terms as they are rooted in the sense of touch. Generally Jitsu is full, hard and stagnant while Kyo is empty, soft and deficient

Shiatsu is for me a form of art and a fascinating journey, a way of life