Reiki is a Japanese form of healing that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. The

knowledge that an unseen energy flows through all living things and is connected directly to the quality of health has been part of the wisdom of many cultures since ancient times.

The existence of this "life force energy" has been verified by recent scientific experiments, and medical doctors are considering the role it plays in the functioning of the immune system and the healing process

Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) is a Japanese word meaning Universal Life Energy, that is in and around everything. Reiki affects all levels of body, mind, and spirit. Reiki accelerates the body's natural ability to heal and opens the mind and spirit to the cause of disease, disharmony, and pain.

What makes Reiki unique is that it incorporates elements of just about every other alternative healing practices such as spiritual healing, auras, crystals, chakra balancing, meditation, aromatherapy, naturopathy, and homeopathy.

Reiki involves the transfer of energy from practitioner to patient to enhance the body's natural ability to heal itself through the balancing of energy. Reiki utilizes specific techniques for restoring and balancing the natural life force energy within the body. It is a holistic, natural, hands-on energy healing system that touches on all levels: body, mind, and spirit.

Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit and creates many beneficial effects including relaxation and feelings of peace, security, and well-being. In its long history of use Reiki has aided in healing virtually every known illness and injury. Reiki is always beneficial and works to improve the effectiveness of all other types of therapy.

What is shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork. The word shiatsu means "finger pressure", and shiatsu is sometimes described as a finger pressure massage.

How does shiatsu work?

Like acupuncture, shiatsu is based on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine, where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy, or qi (pronounced "chee") through the body.

Shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure to energetic pathways, called meridians to improve the flow of qi.

A scientific explanation is that shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stresss.

What does shiatsu feel like?

The shiatsu therapist applies pressure using his or her fingers, thumbs, and/or palms in a continuous rhythmic sequence.

The pressure feels more localized, because unlike other types of massage, the finger pads are used to apply pressure for most of the treatment instead of the entire palm.

Certain pressure points may feel tender, which some people describe it as "good pain."

If you feel any discomfort or pain during the treatment, tell your therapist and he or she will adjust the pressure so that it is comfortable to you.

Most people say shiatsu is as relaxing as a classic forms of massage therapy.

What should I expect during my visit?

The treatment is done on a low massage table or on the floor.

Unlike other forms of massage, with shiatsu no massage oil is applied, so you remain fully clothed during the treatment. You may be asked to bring comfortable clothing to wear.

What conditions is shiatsu used for?

·         Relaxation

·         Back pain

·         Headache

·         Premenstrual syndrome

·         Anxiety

·         Insomnia

·         Neck and shoulder pain

·         Tiredness

·         Recovery from injuries

·         Stress

·         Arthritis pain

·         Poor digestion

·         Constipation

·         Depression

Precautions

Shiatsu is not recommended for certain people:

·         infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds

·         immediately after surgery

·         immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor

·         people with osteoporosis should consult their doctor before having shiatsu

·         prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having shiatsu

·         pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting any type of massage or bodywork. Shiatsu in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.

·         shiatsu should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

Additional tips

·  don’t eat a heavy meal before the shiatsu

·  if it's your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the shiatsu.