SHIATSU
JAPANESE HANDS-ON THERAPY
WHAT IS SHIATSU MASSAGE?
Shiatsu in Japanese means "finger pressure". The origin and techniques of Shiatsu originate from the ancient Oriental systems of healing that work with the energy body or meridians. Shiatsu works by stimulating or calming the meridian flow in order to promote balance and wellness in the body and mind. A Shiatsu Practitioner uses techniques such as stretching, rocking and applying pressure with thumbs, fingers, elbows and even knees and feet to the meridians to improve the quality of energy flow. A Shiatsu session takes place on either a futon or a massage table with the client fully clothed
Shiatsu is very effective in treating chronic conditions that do not respond to traditional Western medicine or as a complement to Western treatment. It is also excellent as a wellness routine as it can prevent serious health issues by correcting minor imbalances before they become chronic conditions.
Clients with the following issues have noticed that their symptoms considerably improved after receiving Shiatsu treatments on a regular basis:
Asthma, Digestion Problems, Frequent Colds/Viruses, Muscular Pain and Tension, Poor Eating Habits, Anxiety, Arthritis, Emotional Stress, Headaches and Migraines, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, Sciatica...
A treatment takes about one hour which includes discussion about past and present conditions.
How do we develop imbalances of energy flow?
The human body experiences many traumas during the events of the day, emotionally and physically. Each time we are traumatized, stress hormones from the adrenals are released - preparing us to either flee or fight (flight or fight response). When the ordeal is over, we process the experience as we rest which activates the relaxation hormones and allows us to heal from our trauma. Ideally, when we have experienced a stressful situation, we take the time to recover and rejuvenate. Often times, we are too busy to even notice when we have experienced stress and therefore, we do not take the time to recover and heal from it. This is an unhealthy pattern which eventually harms us physically, mentally and emotionally and can makes us feel spiritually empty and disconnected.
Stress manifests in the body; in the muscles, skin and fascia.
As a result, specific points or regions of the body can become painful, tense, sensitive or dormant; not vibrant and alive.
Because muscle moves bone structure, the body begins to misalign developing further imbalances and discomfort and establishes unhealthy patterns of moving, thinking, and responding to our experiences.
"Ramona's Shiatsu practice goes deep into the body in a highly meditative and natural flow. She combines an analytical and methodical approach with a welcoming and friendly intuition so you will always feel in safe hands! She adapts to changing circumstances, be they physical, mental or even spiritual, and this integration has long lasting benefits which are really unique!" will let you know for the next session!”
-Andrew
How Does Shiatsu Work?
Shiatsu affects the receiver on many levels by activating the parasympathetic nervous system which releases the hormones that promote deep state of relaxation and provides an avenue for the body to do its own natural healing. Shiatsu provides energy and nourishment to the organs, muscles, bones, and tissues, stimulates the circulation of fluids and energy and activates the hormonal system. A Shiatsu treatment usually leaves one with a feeling of deep calm and of being more open and in touch with body and self.
How Should I Prepare for a Shiatsu Treatment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing including socks. Natural fibers such as cotton are recommended. It is best to arrive on a light stomach.
POUR LA JOIE DE LA PRATIQUE - FOR THE JOY OF PRACTICE
“As a Japanese person, I have had many shiatsu therapies in Japan, but of all the shiatsu therapies I have had, Ramona's shiatsu was the best.
If the wrong acupressure points are pressed, there is no effect and you feel discomfort, but Ramona finds the exact acupressure points corresponding to your symptoms and finger presses them with perfect strength. This 'good pain' is indescribably fine.
Her shiatsu makes me energetic, and the detoxifying effect on the body and mind is astonishing.
Through Ramona's treatment, I realized that when the body is healed, the mind is healed too. Her shiatsu is of course effective for special conditions such as back pain, but I also present her shiatsu to my friends as a gift to share the amazing experience”.
-Yukiko Yokohata
I booked a shiatsu session with Ramona as a gift to myself – not really knowing what to expect. I can honestly say that first session changed my life!
Ramona said my throat wanted to release words it was holding back… So, I spoke my truth in a TEDx talk. Still today, I get messages from people thanking me for that talk.
In another session, Ramona said my stomach was “un-happy”. So, I booked a medical appointment and had some tests: I discovered I have pre-diabetes and am intolerant to several foods. As a result, I’ve now lost 12 kilos (and counting); am turning around my pre-diabetes so it never takes hold – and at 55 years old, I feel fuller of energy than in my 30s! She’s always 100% present and I feel 100% safe in excellent hands. My health is better. My mindset is better. My relationships are better – can it get any better?
-Dr. Madeleine de Hauke
PREGNANCY SHIATSU WITH RAMONA
For those yummy mummies to be and thereafter…
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese hands-on healing therapy offering bodywork using acupressure points.
Shiatsu helps to rebalance the flow of Qi (energy) in the body through touch.
It involves a focused touch and breathing techniques, gentle pressure on acupressure points and holding techniques.
Shiatsu inducing acupressure points can be used around/on the due date of the baby to help relaxation in labour. Gentle stretches and joint rotations help loosen and mobilise the joints. Rocking and muscle release techniques are used along the meridians (energy lines) of the body.
This massage is carried out on the floor in Supine, Prone and Side positions in all three trimesters and postnatal. Loose comfortable clothing can be worn.Use of palms, fingers, elbows, knees and feet may be used to relax tight muscles.
It is safe and available in pregnancy throughout all trimesters and postnatally.
Not only does Pregnancy Massage benefit the mother, it releases your “Feel Good’ endorphins which can be felt by yourself and your baby. Massage is a magical experience, which helps ‘Mama2b’ and ‘MamaBirth&Beyond’ to support herself when her body is going through many changes.
KIDS SHIASTU
Watching your child suffer when you don't know how to help can be excruciating. Shiatsu is a great reliable technique that can assist your child with different problems and symptoms.
Problems like:
Difficulties falling or staying asleep
Headaches or chronic ear infections
Anxiety, depression or anger
Motor and coordination problems
Social problems with teachers or friends
Learning difficulties
Teenage self-esteem and communication problems
Hormonal problems like acne
Overweight
Many times these problems are caused by simple imbalances of the energy or chi in your child’s body. Shiatsu is combined with gentle massage to reach into the energy meridian system to open and release blockages, stimulate the immune and hormonal systems, and evoke the power of inner healing so your child can flourish beautifully to full potential.
I love working with kids - they are so sincere and everything there is still so fresh. So if they have any blockages, they haven’t yet hardened deeply into the body and can be easily removed. Sessions are designed to be a space where they feel safe expressing anything that bothers or frightens them, whatever is in their hearts. I accept them completely as they are, so usually they express their difficulties without defensiveness and it’s easy to see where the problem is. I also teach the children how to treat themselves if they start experiencing these kinds of symptoms or distress. Having tools to take charge of their health helps them feel more comfortable in their own bodies and promotes their self esteem.
During the treatment, the child is dressed in comfortable, loose clothing to allow free movement. Sessions usually last 30 to 40 minutes (depending on the child's age and condition)