Shiatsu is a complementary physical therapy used worldwide to relive stress related symptoms.
What is stress?
What we call stress is usually a reaction to whatever is happening in our lives, a response to mental or emotional pressure. In that case, our body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. In small amounts, these hormones can be helpful. They may help us to get things done and to feel motivated. But if we produce high levels of them, we end up too stressed. We feel physically unwell and in the long term, our health is affected. If then stress becomes chronic, it can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect different aspects of our life.
Causes and signs of stress
Stress can be caused by many events or life situations that can also not be the same for everyone. Some may be stressed by the workplace, some others by moving home, but generally speaking, the causes may be:
Work: too much pressure at work, unemployment, retirement, job-seeking
Personal relationships: divorce, caring for someone, loss of a loved one
Health: illness, chronic illness, injury, pain, bereavement
Financial problems
These are just a few examples. Even buying a house, having a baby or changing career can be causes of stress. Sometimes it can even be that we don’t even know why we are stressed. Yet we suffer from it and have to deal with both physical or mental health problems such as:
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Digestive issues
Headaches
Dizziness
Muscle tensions or pain
Tiredness
Sexual problems
How shiatsu may help with stress-related problems In my personal experience as a Shiatsu practitioner, I had a consistent amount of clients experiencing various stress-related problems and – especially in the last year – Shiatsu has proved to be very beneficial to them.
Being considered deeply relaxing, Shiatsu’s characteristic perpendicular gentle pressure on the recipient’s body loosens tense connective tissues and muscles, improving blood circulation, so that muscle nourishment is enhanced and wastes can be eliminated easily. The stretches delivered by the practitioner also improve joint flexibility and circulation. Furthermore, Shiatsu incites the parasympathetic response of the autonomic nervous system denoting a profound relaxation response.
Since Shiatsu always considers the person as a whole, in which physical, emotional and mental wellbeing cannot be separated, the profound body relaxation resonates with all the other aspects of the body-mind. Therefore you will gain back the vitality necessary to manage a stressful period or environment.
Transformation is through the body, not away from it.
Eckhart Tolle
Would you like more information about shiatsu and fibromyalgia? Or do you want to book a shiatsu session with me?
I practice in Manchester for in person treatment or I offer one to one self-shiatsu guided session online.
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