Shiatsu for Humans

Shiatsu literally means finger pressure (‘shi’ = ‘finger’ and ‘atsu’ = ‘pressure’). It is a holistic Japanese treatment in which pressure is applied with thumbs, fingers and palms. The aim is to correct internal disorders and promote recovery from specific complaints. Ancient Japanese and Chinese medicine has held knowledge of the body for over 3000 years, through which many energy channels (meridians) and acupuncture points (energy centres) run that allow the life force (Ki) to flow and that connect to certain organs. Shiatsu focuses on stimulating and regulating this energetic system (i.e. our self-healing ability). Shiatsu is also used preventively.

To stay healthy, all factors must be in perfect balance: physical, mental, predisposition to illness, emotions, environment (nature), lifestyle and nutrition. To stay in balance, you must constantly adapt to changes both in your body and in the outside world. When you do not do this, an imbalance can arise, leading to health complaints. Shiatsu stimulates the circulation of nutrients to the body’s cells, increases the energy level and raises awareness.

Endorphins (painkillers) are produced.

Shiatsu is a treatment that can help you stay in balance by engaging the self-healing ability, reducing any complaints.

In this therapy, the ear is gently cleansed and/or cleared. A hollow candle of a patented brand made from cotton, pure beeswax and selected herbs is placed in the upper ear canal. Ears, throat, nose and sinuses are purified; this leads to the activation of metabolic and lymphatic functions in the head. The candles have a clarifying and centering effect.

Prevention is still better than cure. Immunity is strengthened.

The origin lies with the Hopi Indians. They used the ear candle to purify and harmonise energetic fields.

My treatment begins with a lymph massage of the chest, neck and face. This is followed by ear reflex massage with full attention to the acupuncture points on the ear, to initiate the regeneration process.

The ear candle works through the external ear canal on deep acupuncture points, the eardrum, the middle ear, the vestibular organ, the cochlea and the organ of Corti.

I only use the hollow candles of the patented brand Biosun (with safety filter CE label).

Also suitable for children from 2 years of age. Patients with removable hearing aids benefit from this treatment.

Indications:
cold, blocked nose, runny nose, hoarseness, throat irritation, sinusitis, headache, migraine, runny ear, blocked ears, mucus, eczema (external ear canal), tinnitus, ear tingling, temporary deafness, Ménière’s disease, sleep disorder, cystitis, irritability, stress, nervousness, hyperactivity (incl. ADHD).

Contra-indications:
perforated or ruptured eardrum, acute ear infection, middle ear ossicle implant, epilepsy patients, children under 2 years.

Cranio-sacral therapy is a gentle treatment of the head and back that primarily works on the nervous system and connective tissue. Our brain and spinal cord are connected by a kind of tube filled with fluid; the cerebrospinal fluid, which is continuously transported from the brain to the spinal cord and back.

The aim is to discover disturbances in the craniosacral system and to understand, investigate and treat their influence on the whole body. When blockages occur in this system, they can manifest as all manner of symptoms. Cranio-Sacral therapy also stimulates our self-regulating (= healing) forces.

Reflexology or reflex zone therapy is based on the principle that all organs and body parts are connected to places on the feet (foot reflexology), hands (hand reflexology) and ears (ear reflexology).

Zones have been established on the foot or hand where the main groups of the body come to the fore. Through finger pressure you reach the 7,000 nerve endings in the feet or hands; in the brain, the neural information reflects the state of the body, resulting in the reduction of pain.

During the treatment, around 10 techniques can be applied: stimulation, sedation, rotation, stroking method, hooking, massage, etc. This achieves a positive feeling (balance) through recovery on a physical, mental and emotional level.

This is a kind of ‘shortened’ shiatsu treatment. The philosophy around Eastern Acupuncture points is also incorporated, albeit with a little more massage and possibly performed at a faster pace. A foldable special chair is used.

Chair massage at your company or event

• As an event organiser?
• As an exhibitor at a trade fair?
• As an added benefit, on a regular basis for your staff?

People who feel good about themselves perform better and take fewer sick days. Due to increasing work pressure, it is important to offer preventive options in the workplace.

Benefits:

1. Positive investment in your staff
2. Tax deductible
3. Stimulates productivity and work output
4. Stress and tension complaints disappear
5. Reduction of absenteeism
6. Better atmosphere and understanding among colleagues

Chair massage is given over clothing. No oil is used. Work can be resumed immediately afterwards. Very little time lost (approximately 20 min) yet highly effective.

Depending on the complaints, problems and possibilities, I usually start from the Shiatsu findings. The other therapies usually form a useful complementary treatment. I also alternate with the Eastern philosophical principles of the five elements and Yin-Yang.

The combinations are proposed based on the therapist’s findings; it is up to the patient/client to agree to them.