What
is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a form
of body work that originated from Japan at the turn of the last
century, stemming from Chinese massage called Anma united with
familiar Western techniques of physical manipulation. Shiatsu
draws extensively on the principles of traditional Oriental medicine,
thus giving the practitioner a wide system of healing techniques
through touch.
The goal of Shiatsu is to harmonize imbalances of energy
throughout the body/mind. By discovering the root cause, we can
begin to stabilize the disharmony, and restore balance.
A treatment may involve stretching, rotation of joints,
various massage techniques, and the application of specific pressure
points, using thumbs or palm of the hand. The recipient is placed
in various lying or seated positions, and is treated fully clothed
on a futon. The experienced Shiatsu Therapist is able to access
and disperse stagnant Ki (energy), and tonify areas in your body
where the Ki may be depleted. Thus activating an inner self-healing
process, heightening your sense of well-being in body, mind and
spirit, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed.
After
the session, you may be given recommendations on how to maintain
a more balanced flow of energy through stretches, specific pressure
points, breathing techniques or meditation.
Symptoms
that may imply that energy is impeded are: stiff shoulders, neck,
lower back; headaches, restless thoughts, extreme emotions, lack
of concentration, insomnia, fatigue, digestive problems, menstrual
complications, poor circulation, reoccurring colds and flues,
the list is long. The longer a person suffers from the impeded
flow of energy, the more severe the symptoms will become. An acute
condition may turn into one which is chronic.
The benefits
of Shiatsu are many. Leaving you feeling calm, open and free
from tension, it can help you maintain balance of body/mind health
at your optimal peak.
Kelly's
Biography
Kelly McGrath,
a certified Kripalu Yoga instructor, is excited to begin her Shiatsu
Massage Therapy practice which will be recognized by most health
insurance plans in the beginning of 2002.
Her approach to health is one of connecting body, mind and spirit,
guiding her clients to the harmonious balance of returning to
wholeness. Kelly completed her Yoga teacher training in October
1999, at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Lenox,Mass, U.S.A.
She began practicing Yoga as a young girl with her mother in the
1970's in Nova Scotia, and has since extended her practice through
Ontario, Cyprus and into Montreal where she looks forward to sharing
her skills and experience with you.
