What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is an ancient Japanese therapy that stimulates the body’s own healing abilities by allowing vital energy (chi) to flow freely.
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It has a profound effect on the nervous system, relieving stress and pain as well as improving muscle, organ, and joint function. This deep but gentle approach to health has many long-term benefits for people of all ages. However, you do not have to have a specific symptom, this is also an excellent preventative treatment and a deeply enjoyable way to go inward, relax, reconnect and become mindful of the body-mind connection.
What will you receive?
During our first appointment, I am looking to get a whole picture of you and understand the root cause of your symptoms so I’ll do a thorough intake and this session will take about 90 mins.
In a typical shiatsu session, I will work with specific pressure points and energy channels (meridians) along the body in order to assess and treat various conditions as well as stretching, joint mobilizing, and breathing techniques. I may also give specific exercises, nutritional, or lifestyle advice.
Shiatsu takes place on a futon with the patient wearing comfortable cotton clothing.
Antoinette has a gift that goes beyond technique and she creates such a healing and harmonious atmosphere. Her Shiatsu helped me connect to a feeling of deep peace and put me in a relaxing state each time. It supported my physical and mental health during some extremely stressful times. I used to come back from the treatment feeling renewed and fresh.
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Jens Buntjen - Germany
I have been blessed with the opportunity of having weekly Shiatsu sessions with Antoinette. Her vast knowledge and special ability to connect with her patient makes the session so nurturing for the body, soul and mind. I travel inward, disconnecting from mental noise and connecting with silence and inner peace. Through breathing, touch and stretching she helps you to feel parts of the body that we don't normally feel. Sometimes we don't even know they exist. In her treatments her professional honesty, her sense of service to others, and her deep empathy always manifest. She always welcomes me with her big smile. I really look forward to that moment in my week.
Ilse Kriebel - San José
"Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain" - C. Jung
*If it's your first time working with me, please get in touch via the contact form.
Shiatsu, Chi & Wellbeing
Shiatsu is based on both the healing principles of Chinese medicine, Yin & Yang and the five elements and Western anatomy and physiology.
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Chi or vital energy, like water, must flow freely. When there is a stagnation it may cause an excess or lack of energy both of which are the origin of illness, if it flows too fast it is dispersed and the result is lack of chi, when it flows too slowly, the result is stagnation. Both, lack or stagnation of chi are the origin of illness.