Shiatsu

Are You Searching For The Answers To These questions?

Is there a way to relieve my health problems with a gentle and non-invasive approach? Something nourishing for my body and soul? Something that I can look forward to receiving, which leaves me relaxed but energized? Something that addresses my health concerns in all these ways and is highly effective?

Shiatsu may be your answer.

What Is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a modern bodywork therapy with its origins in ancient Oriental medical philosophy. It is a form of acupressure, originating in Japan, that uses finger pressure to stimulate acupoints (“tsubos”), which are the same points used in acupuncture. It also uses the hands, fists, elbows and feet to apply pressure to larger areas of the body. Shiatsu incorporates gentle assisted stretching and manipulation techniques to relax the joints.

Shiatsu works with the life force energy - called chi (or qi, ki) - encouraging it to flow more smoothly along the energy pathways, the meridians, of the body. Shiatsu stimulates the body's own healing systems and brings the body into balance, energetically and physically.

Benefits Of Shiatsu:

  • Relieves pain, chronic and acute
  • Releases stress and its effects
  • Increases the circulation of blood and lymph
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Relaxes tight muscles
  • Relieves headaches and migraines
  • Eases and balances digestion
  • Eases anxiety and depression
  • Balances hormones
  • Increases energy, vitality, stamina, and well-being

How Does Shiatsu Work?

Shiatsu uses the same Oriental medical philosophies that are used in acupuncture, but hands and fingers are used instead of needles, with gentle practitioner-assisted stretches and light massage incorporated into the session. While each therapist has his or her own style and emphasis, Shiatsu always involves acupressure work and stretching.

Oriental medical philosophy is based on the belief that life force energy called chi flows through the body along energy channels called meridians. As long as this energy is flowing smoothly, a person remains well. However, the flow of chi can become weak, sluggish, stagnant, or blocked due to stress, injury, poor diet and exercise habits, etc. An imbalance in the flow of chi can consequently contribute to pain, illness, and dysfunction.

The Shiatsu therapist evaluates the client in an in-depth interview and decides which meridians need attention to help address the problems that are present.

Case Studies

Osteo-Arthritis: A 57 year old female presented with osteo-arthritis in her knee, ankles and toes. Four sessions of Shiatsu resulted in significant improvement of her medical condition allowing the client to awake without morning stiffness and to be significantly less dependent on medication.

Multiple Sclerosis: A 45 year old female with MS presented with pain and weakness on one side of her body requiring the use of a cane to walk. Three weekly sessions of Shiatsu with Sue Coughtry reduced dependency on the cane and lessened pain significantly.

What Is A Shiatsu Session Like?

Shiatsu sessions are done with the client dressed in comfortable clothing that will allow for the gentle stretching. The sessions are usually done with the client lying on a thick, comfortable mat on the floor, though it is fine to have the session done on a massage table if that is more comfortable for the client. The Shiatsu therapist does an in-depth interview to learn what the health problems are and to determine which meridians need addressing. The therapist then uses palm and finger pressure along the appropriate meridians and acupoints of the arms, legs and back. Gentle stretches and massage are interspersed throughout the session to help release restrictions in the joints that may hamper the flow of chi.

A shiatsu session lasts about an hour and leaves the client feeling very relaxed, yet energized at the same time.

The Best Hands-On Therapy Available

Our Shiatsu therapist, Sue Coughtry, is a NYS licensed and nationally certified massage therapist, certified Reiki Master, and certified personal trainer. Your session with Sue Coughtry involves a combination of her skill and knowledge from all these areas to give you the best hands-on therapy available. Sue has found Shiatsu to be very effective in treating a wide variety of health problems. Sue would be happy to work with you to develop a customized treatment plan.

Our Special Team Approach To Your Health Care

At the Center, your Shiatsu therapist has the opportunity to consult with complementary practitioners and medical doctors about your health concerns and the progress you are making. These practitioners are always available to you as well.

We take great pride in our staff's special team consulting approach to the care of our patients, giving you the best that Integrative Medicine has to offer.

Integrative Medicine

Integrative Medicine, practiced here at The Center, is based on a more caring practitioner-client partnership which incorporates the best of conventional Western medicine with alternative and complementary Eastern therapies resulting in a safer, more natural, whole body approach to stimulate the body’s natural healing potential.

History Of Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a blend of ancient Eastern medical philosophy and modern Western science. China has always held high regard for the effectiveness of massage and acupressure for the treatment of a wide variety of health problems for over 2000 years. Shiatsu has its roots in a traditional form of massage and acupressure called Anma Therapy. Anma Therapy originated in China hundreds of years ago and was then brought to Japan. It was used to treat pain and many common ailments as well as serious diseases and is still practiced today. Shiatsu is the culmination of Eastern and Western influence on this ancient healing art.

Shiatsu continues to evolve. In Japan, where there are currently over 87,000 registered Shiatsu practitioners, Shiatsu has been highly respected for its effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of disease for hundreds of years.

Make An Appointment

Call Nadine or April at The Center at 518. 689. 2244 to make an appointment for Shiatsu with Sue Coughtry, LMT, or Click Here to Contact Us by Email.

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