My mission is to assist women on their journey towards wholeness and wellness through the mediums of Shiatsu, Massage & Movement, so that they can experience more vitality and joy in their life. Zen Shiatsu is a form of physical therapy that was developed in Japan in the 1970's by Shizuto Masunaga. It has been successfully practiced in Ireland over the last 20 years. Like acupuncture, it is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It uses the thumbs, palms, forearms and knees to work the physical body and the energetic meridian pathways and points, which assists the individual in regaining balance and preventing and remedying dis-ease. Shiatsu can help prevent and treat a wide range of ailments from muscular and joint pain to depression and anxiety, sports injuries to hormonal issues as well as supporting you through transition periods such as recovery from illness, or caring for a sick relative, loss of a loved one, change of career or coping with motherhood. During a typical treatment you can expect a combination of hands on work, joint mobilization and stretching techniques as well as the use of cupping and moxibustion. You will be fully clothed throughout the treatment except when cupping or moxibustion is used. In this case, only the areas being treated will be uncovered. Cupping is the use of suction to treat areas of pain or tension in the body. As the area is suctioned, blood is drawn to the site, which oxygenates and cleanses the area, aiding the natural healing process and releasing stagnated energy from the area. Shiatsu practitioners use moxa (the herb mugwort) to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi. Moxibustion works so well because it allows the body to absorb the energy emitted by the moxa. By holding the moxa stick over the acupuncture points, the body is able to take in, store and slowly release this energy into the body. Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability and to promote relaxation and well-being. I offer both holistic and sports massage. Where appropriate I incorporate stretching and acu-point work into my massage treatments. What is Body Awareness? Any technique or treatment that helps you to become more aware of your body and how it feels can be classed as a body awareness technique. This of course includes the use of Shiatsu and Massage but also movement, mindfulness, meditation and visualization. I often use these mediums during treatments with clients and offer classes and workshops in these areas. The techniques that I teach really support the changes that arise from the Shiatsu and massage treatments.
