Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese healing massage, developed over thousands of years. The theory/belief underlying shiatsu is that vital energy (known as Ki) flows throughout the body in channels called meridians. This energy affects everything about how we function and is integral to our health.
Shiatsu uses different types of touch (eg. pressure, holding, stretching, work on specific points) to connect with and improve the energy flow. Symptoms that have developed from impaired energy flow will gradually improve: it works on the complete person: on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. The theory behind shiatsu is similar to that of acupuncture (Traditional Chinese Medicine), together with a body of understanding developed by the Japanese practitioner Masanaga, in the 1950's.
Treatments are for an hour, (including time for an initial case history, and discussion of exercises/ lifestyle issues). They are generally given lying on a mat and the receiver remains clothed, and usually feels invigorated but relaxed.
Shiatsu works primarily with the energy/'ki' of the body and has a different purpose to massage: as a hands-on therapy it does work with the muscles, but because it is a holistic therapy it also works on all levels of the body. It uses pressure and other types of touch and manipulation (stretches and rotations), and is given through clothing.
It works down the whole body following the meridian map developed in Zen Shiatsu.
Each treatment is tailored to the individual.
It is based on an understanding of the body as integrated physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually and works on all those levels.
i offer shiatsu treatments to mothers to improve their well being in pregnancy. in addition to this I also offer one-two hour birth preparation sessions for mothers and their partners tailored to their individual needs.
It is a very safe practice in pregnancy, because shiatsu works with the body and what it wants to do. So it supports the mother in supporting the baby.
There are contra-indicated points in pregnancy, but these are easily avoided and come into their own as points for encouraging labour in the last weeks (after 37 weeks).
Treatment is still done lying on a mat and mothers are made comfortable with pillows and cushions and work is also done over a gym ball. Exercises may be given to aid health and well-being.
Prior to labour shiatsu helps to prepare for and encourage labour, and in labour strengthens the contractions, relieves pain and can help with other difficulties if they occur.
Sessions can be arranged for the mother and her birth partner to come together, and for the partner to learn about connecting with the mother and techniques to use to encourage labour and to give pain relief. These are then tools that can be used to support the mother and significantly help her to cope with and have a positive experience of labour.
I also draw on my experience as a midwife to practice safely, to understand more about the process of pregnancy, birth and the early days, and in teaching birth preparation and offering support.
Shiatsu is hugely beneficial to aid recovery and breast-feeding and renew energy through what is often an exhausting time.
Taster: 26th July, then Tuesday 2nd September, and 9th, 16th and 23rd September at 12.00!
'A lovely baby centred class adapting to all the babies involved. It was great to have a relaxed group where we felt comfortable to learn new skills and techniques. I would definitely recommend it to all!'
I run 4/5 weekly baby massage courses at
Otley Children's Centre.
Other courses can be arranged
This course uses the principles and understanding of shiatsu to add a new aspect to baby massage.
By encouraging and developing the parent's instinctive touch it deepens the bonding between parent and baby, and increases the baby's trust and ability to explore its world.
It can be taught to parents or given as an individual treatment.
Baby massage is a great way for parents to bond and connect with their babies, and can be used from birth.
It is helpful with colic, problems from difficult births, sleep, feeding and generally for settling babies.
Babies enjoy touch and massage from birth and gradually learn to recognise it. They need very short amounts that increase as they get older and so the ideal time to attend a course is anytime from 5 or 6 weeks old, up to 6 months.
I combine baby massage techniques with some shiatsu techniques that together offer parents and baby an opportunity for lovely times of bonding, giving the mothers and fathers confidence in how to touch, massage their babies, and also some gentle play.
These techniques help with the babies' physical and emotional development, their confidence in touch and physical exploration, and can also help with sleep patterns, coughs and colds, teething and generally a time of enjoyment that calms, relaxes and helps them to settle.
Endorsements from previous parents from the course:
':
"yes, baby massage should be available for everyone, it transformed my baby into an even more relaxed, happy baby. It contributes an enormous amount to her well being"
"I sure would. It's a friendly and relaxed class with lots of helpful tips"
"yes- a great opportunity to learn calming, bonding techniques for baby"
"yes! I found this useful for helping to calm my reflux baby and relieve excess wind"
"It's incredible how she absolutely loves massage"
When: Tuesdays at 12.00 - 1300
Where: Otley Children's centre, Cross green Community Centre, Cross Green, Otley LS21 1HD
Cost: £32.00 for four week course
I do a free taster before each course starts for those wanting to give it a try first!
How to book, pay with Paypal here and /or ring Janet on 07854810164
I graduated from the Yorkshire School of Shiatsu in August 2003
after training for over 5 years.
I am also a registered practitioner with the Shiatsu Society (MRSS).
During my training I have studied with nationally and
internationally recognised teachers of Shiatsu, Qi Gong,
and Seiki, and support my practice with yoga and Qi Gong.
I constantly discover and witness what a great therapy shiatsu is for all sorts of
different needs.
Because it treats the whole person and feels good to receive people are often surprised by it.
Someone may come with a back problem and go away revitalised.
I have found shiatsu to be profoundly beneficial in many varied situations.
I discovered shiatsu while expecting my first child and experienced what a wonderful therapy it is through pregnancy and new motherhood.
As a midwife of 20 years I am especially interested in offering shiatsu during pregnancy, for childbirth, and in the weeks following.
I have trained with Suzanne Yates and received the 'Well-Mother' diploma for shiatsu practitioners.
It is increasingly recognised that we need to make use of traditional and new ways to maintain good health and counter stress.
Complementary therapies offer these different ways and Shiatsu is unique in treating the whole body by connecting with touch and with the body's energy.
Thus it can often bring relief and resolution to
ongoing problems.
I find shiatsu treatments are a huge help in grounding me and freeing me to deal with the stresses and struggles of everyday life with renewed calmness and energy. Tensions are dissolved and particular areas of pain especially in my back are released.
I have been most impressed by Janet's work. I came to her suffering from pains in my neck and shoulders and complaining of general fatigue. Her Shiatsu treatment helped a great deal with my pain and was wonderfully relaxing, but it was Janet's skill at diagnosis that was most startling. She noticed my sensitivity at certain pressure points and diagnosed a problem with my Liver. Sure enough, the medical profession caught up with her and a serious problem was identified. Janet is a committed and thoughtful practitioner who puts a great deal of effort into researching and tailoring the best treatment for you. In my experience, she is generous of her time and spirit, and I am sure of her sincere concern for my well-being.
After I came back after the shiatsu I had a long rest and when I woke at 4.00 I felt some slight twinges. At 8.10 that evening I gave birth easily, and I’m sure it had a lot to do with your massage
I visited Janet throughout my pregnancy and I continue to do so now. Her gentle professional manner and experience means you can totally relax during the hour's session. Physically and emotionally Janet ensured I had a stress free pregnancy and helped me prepare for labour. I can't emphasise enough how much I enjoyed those sessions during pregnancy and how invaluable they were. I have no doubt that my positive birth experience was helped enormously by my Shiatsu sessions with Janet. It was a very special time for me and my baby which I was so pleased to share with her. She is not only full of knowledge, but wonderful at tapping into just what areas of your body to focus on. Her touch is very powerful but relaxing at the same time. I always come away from Janet's treatment felling lighter mentally and physically.
At the antenatal group I was most impressed as Janet introduced her topic and then within a few minutes had a mother on the floor and was showing her partner how to give her effective massage. The partners really appreciated being given concrete and effective ways of helping their women, and the women expressed how relaxing and easing the massage techniques were and how glad they were that their partners had been taught them. Women who came on their own exclaimed that next time they would bring their partners! It is so good to have such power at your finger tips for the moments in late pregnancy and birth when you really need it. I personally found the strong downward pressure on the shoulders a life saver at the end of labour and again with the after birth pains. Thank you Janet for teaching us that!
I liked having things that were of practical use for pain relief. Something practical to do to support my wife.
I went into the room a stressed out Mum with a restless baby and a fractious toddler and I came away an hour later, serenely relaxed with my two (now beautiful!) children curled up asleep together. That was the gift Janet gave me that day and it was priceless.
Shiatsu works primarily with the energy/'ki' of the body and has a different purpose to massage:
as a hands-on therapy it does work with the muscles, but because it is a holistic therapy it also works on all levels of the body. It uses pressure and other types of touch and manipulation (stretches and rotations), and is given through clothing.
It works down the whole body following the meridian map developed in Zen Shiatsu.
Each treatment is tailored to the individual.
It is based on an understanding of the body as integrated physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually and works on all those levels.
It is not the same as acupressure which works with limited acupuncture points using pressure rather than needles. Shiatsu also uses pressure on points and shares the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory behind acupuncture, to diagnose and treat selectively. It also works along the whole meridian on which points are found. In addition the giver works intuitively with the receiver's energy and responds to what each individual needs.
Energy or 'ki' is how the world is understood in the oriental tradition: and that everything is a manifestation of universal 'Ki'/'Qi' (Chinese). In our bodies this runs in channels (meridians) and is part of the air we breath, food we eat, the blood in our circulation and how we function altogether.
It can become blocked or depleted and this causes ill-health or lack of well-being. By working with the energy shiatsu facilitates the person's own self-healing process and encourages the energy to flow smoothly.
Sometimes points or areas of the body can be sensitive, reflecting needs the body has, but generally any discomfort has a relieving effect and overall shiatsu feels good to receive.
Each treatment lasts for about one hour, except for the initial treatment that may be an hour and a quarter to allow for taking a history.
I work Monday to Friday including evenings Mon to Thurs, at home, and Mon to Friday daytimes at The Orchard or for home visits.
I work from home in Guiseley, 2 minutes walk from the train station, at Oxford Villas, LS20 9AD.
I also work from the Orchard centre, in Horsforth, which is a complementary health and counselling centre.
Alternatively, if you can't make it to me, I will make it to you, if you live within 10 miles radius from LS20.
If you have any questions or need additional information...
Tel: 01943 877218
Mobile: 07854 810164
Email: janetrattwood@outlook.com
or use the contact form below!