Chiropractor, Osteopath or Shiatsu?

Shiatsu as Massage

When you think of the term massage I expect you imagine lying undressed on a table with towels protecting your modesty.  You would also expect oils to be used to lubricate the skin as the masseur worked.

Shiatsu is a hands on technique and provides the same sense of relaxation and release that this conventional massage gives.  Except it is done through the clothes.   Shiatsu works the muscles using a relaxed rhythmic pressing  technique so no oils are needed.

Shiatsu as Physiotherapy

Shiatsu is sometimes called a Japanese physiotherapy.  This is because of the stretches and rotations that are part of the treatment.  This is one reason for not being undressed during a shiatsu treatment.  It would be impossible to rotate the arms and legs whilst keeping modesty towels in place.

Shiatsu is a great combination of therapies.  A relaxing massage along with the opening of stretches and rotations.  The whole body is being worked and opened.

Shiatsu, Osteopathy and Chiropractic

What is the difference between a shiatsu practitioner and a chiropractor or an osteopath?  All three treat similar conditions: stress, back pain, frozen shoulders etc.  But there is a major difference in the technique.

Like osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists shiatsu practitioners are trained in anatomy and physiology and understand the mechanical workings of the body.  But Shiatsu is influenced by Eastern ideas of body energy and blockages.  Shiatsu treats the whole body as a unit.

One client I treat sees me because her regular chiropractor feels his technique is too harsh for her fused cervical vertebra.  Shiatsu is gentle enough to allow work around her neck but still effective to remove the pain she experiences.

Shiatsu is an effective therapy and can treat injuries or received simply to chill and de-stress.  If you are looking for a treatment with a difference why not give shiatsu a try?