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Your Appointment:

• Choose a time when you can relax afterward and allow your body to settle into its new rhythm.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing, as Shiatsu is always performed fully clothed. Avoid eating a heavy meal right before your session. 

• Before the treatment begins, we will discuss your health history, current conditions, and any specific concerns or areas of tension you would like to address. ​

During Your Treatment:

• The session usually begins with a quick assessment of your posture, breathing, and areas of tension. I will feel for energy imbalances (called "Qi" in traditional Chinese medicine) throughout your body.

• We will work on a futon mat on the floor, using cushions and bolsters to support your body. The treatment can be done with you lying on your back, stomach, or side, depending on the areas being worked on. If you have mobility issues, we can look at using a massage chair our couch, let me know in advance so I can set the room up correctly.

• I apply pressure using my thumbs, palms, elbows, and sometimes knees to various points on your body (acupressure points). This pressure is rhythmic and steady, moving along the body’s meridian lines (energy channels). The pressure may range from gentle to firm, depending on your comfort level and my assessment of your needs. This should always feel comfortable, not painful. (Tell me if it doesn't feel right for you.)

• As I move around your body, I may pause or focus on certain points for a while to clear any blockages I find. Don't worry if I stop moving for a couple of minutes, this is part of the treatment. 

• The session may also include gentle stretches and rotations of your joints to improve flexibility and release tension. I may guide your limbs through different movements to enhance the flow of energy. These should never feel uncomfortable

• As the session progresses, you may enter a state of deep relaxation, similar to meditation. It’s normal to feel sleepy, and some people even fall asleep during the session, which is absolutely fine and a huge compliment to me. The rhythmic pressure and stretches encourage the body’s natural healing process, relieving stress and promoting a sense of calm.

• I may encourage you to focus on your breath during the session. Deep, relaxed breathing can enhance the effects of the treatment and help you release tension more effectively.

• The treatment typically ends with some gentle touches or strokes to bring your awareness back to the present moment. I may spend a few minutes holding specific points to help ground and balance your energy. I usually, leave you for a couple of minutes, to give you a moment to come back to the room and let the changes integrate.

After Your Treatment:

• You may feel deeply relaxed, rejuvenated, emotional or even a little sleepy. Some people experience an immediate sense of relief, while others may feel the effects over the next few days. It’s possible to feel some mild tenderness in areas that were worked on, but this should subside within a day or two.

•  Drink plenty of water to help flush out any toxins that may have been released during the treatment. Give yourself time to rest and integrate the effects of the session. Avoid heavy physical activity immediately after the treatment.

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Follow-Ups: Depending on your needs, I may recommend follow-up sessions. Regular Shiatsu treatments can help maintain the benefits and support your overall well-being, once a month is my usual recommendation.