What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a nurturing method of touch developed in Japan and based on the same principles behind Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture. The Japanese word "shiatsu" means "finger pressure." Since shiatsu is a form of acupressure, hands, fingers, elbows, and knees are used instead of needles. Techniques such as compressions, gentle stretches, and range of motion exercises are used to restore the balance of vital energy ("ki" in Japanese; "chi" or "qi" in Chinese) in the body.
Private Sessions
Private shiatsu sessions with Rob take place in one of his convenient locations in Evanston or the Chicago Loop. Shiatsu is traditionally performed on a mat on the floor rather than on a massage table. Since a basic shiatsu session uses no oils or creams, recipients can remain fully clothed throughout the session.
Shiatsu Session Enhancements
Below is a list of additional enhancements that Rob can incorporate into your shiatsu session. Please contact Rob for more information.
- Ampuku
- Cupping
- Gua Sha
- Magnets
- Meridian Stretches
- Moxibustion
- Sotai
Ampuku
Ampuku is also called "hara massage." The hara is the energetic center of your body. Ampuku consists of a series of compression techniques that focus on this energetic center in order to help balance your energy throughout your body.
Cupping
Cupping is the application of sturdy glass cups to specific energetic points on your body. Suction is maintained to keep the cups attached to the points. This requires that the area of skin to be cupped be exposed. Sliding cupping (moving cups along energetic lines or meridians) also requires the use of an oil or cream.
Gua Sha
Gua sha is the use of a special tool to scrape energetic points on your body. This requires that the area of skin to be scraped be exposed, and it requires the use of an oil or cream.
Magnets
Magnets may be directly applied to energetic points with adhesives similar to small band-aids. This requires that the area of skin in question be exposed. The magnets may be left on beyond the end of the shiatsu session.
Meridian Stretches
Meridian stretches are a series of Japanese stretching exercises developed in order to activate the energetic flows of specific meridians.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is the application of heat to energetic points on your body by burning moxa (mugwort, or Artemisia vulgaris). This requires that the area of skin be exposed. Moxibustion can be performed without direct contact with the moxa. People who are sensitive to smoke or incense may find the odor and smoke of burning moxa unpleasant.
Sotai
Sotai is a Japanese exercise technique that uses simple pain-free movements with light resistance to correct structural imbalances in the body.
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