Shiatsu is similar to massage therapy in that your body will receive the relaxing and therapeutic touch from the practitioner's hands.

Shiatsu differs from regular massage therapy in that no oils or lotions are used, and you are fully clothed. Also, where massage therapy's primary focus is on the musculature, shiatsu's broader focus goes beyond that to treat the acupoints and energetic pathways that run throughout our bodies, providing the same benefits as acupuncture.

Full-body stretches are used to help release areas that have been subjected to chronic holding and therefore congestion. The stretches isolate those areas of congestion to encourage an increase in circulation, thus improving freedom of movement in the musculature and pathways of the system.

Additionally, unlike most traditional massage therapies, each shiatsu session will be different because you are different - from moment to moment, day to day. For example, one session may be relaxing and allow for introspection, and the next may be vigorous and provide an energetic recharge. Whatever it turns out to be, every session will give you what you need at that moment.

No, shiatsu should not induce pain in any individual. I often employ the basic principle of shiatsu that believes 'less is more', meaning that a light touch is often more profound and felt more deeply into the body. However, the amount of finger, hand, elbow or knee pressure that is applied is customized to what you need in that moment, and to every part of your body and at every session.

No. While shiatsu and the supporting therapies treat a wide range of physical, emotional and spiritual imbalances, you do not need to have a specific symptom to receive these therapies.

Many people use shiatsu as part of their regular fitness and wellness regimen, or as a quick tune-up when they are feeling out of balance, stressed or experiencing minor symptoms.

Shiatsu and the supporting therapies are wonderful in helping you maintain your healthy balance.

Before the first session I will ask you to fill out a Health History Form which will help give me a better picture of your overall well-being. Complete it to your comfort level and be sure to bring it with you.

If your lifestyle and dietary needs permit, please try to refrain from eating at least one hour before your session. Be sure you are well hydrated.

If you wear contact lenses, please consider removing them prior to the session to prevent eye dryness.

Please wear or bring loose-fitting soft clothing such as sweats or yoga gear. Long pants and long-sleeved shirts are recommended, especially for those prone to becoming chilled. Please also bring a clean pair of socks to change into before the session.

Note: jeans and similar pants do not work well for shiatsu because they restrict range of motion and have zippers, buttons and snaps that can be uncomfortable while lying on your stomach.

Time will be taken at the start of each session to discuss your areas of greatest concern and gauge your progress from session to session.

It is believed that all of the energetic pathways pass through the abdomen, and so each session will begin with you lying on your back on a massage table or a comfortable mat on the floor with your right arm outstretched. This is to allow me, with your permission, to use gentle touch on your abdomen to get a sense of what your body requires for that session.

As we proceed through the session I may eventually turn you onto your side or ask you to turn onto your stomach. Pillows will be used to support sensitive areas such as knees or ankles as needed for maximum relaxation. If you experience discomfort in any position, I will gently take you out of that position and find one that is right for you.

Depth of touch will depend on your preferences and what is required during the session. It can range from light, like gentle surface pressure, to profound, like deep tissue contact. Leverage and body weight rather than muscle strength are used to safely control the depth of touch, and I will check in with you during the session to make sure the depth feels right.

Full body stretches may be used to help relieve tension, stiffness and muscle ache. They also serve to improve flexibility and promote the smooth and unobstructed flow of your body's vital life-giving force - your essence. You are encouraged to breathe deeply into the stretches to maximize their effectiveness.

No oils or lotions are used in the shiatsu therapy, but oils or lotions are used in the Gua sha and cupping therapies. I generally use organic, unscented fractionated coconut oil, but will use a different oil in the event of allergies or sensitivities. Please let me know if you are allergic or sensitive to any foods or fragrances.

After your session I will leave the room to give you a few moments of quiet time to reflect and fully absorb the effects of the therapy. I encourage you to take your time with this and come out of the room when you are ready. At this time you may choose to ask questions, share your experiences, or simply bask in the glow of what you may have discovered in your session. This is your time and I honor your process. My goal is to make sure you are fully grounded before getting in your car and driving!

Clients have reported feeling very calm, relaxed and lighter in spirit. Many people report feeling like their energy has returned and that their overall outlook has improved. Areas of initial concern will often be gone or at least noticeably diminished. Some report that other issues not initially discussed or specifically addressed have subsided or disappeared.

I will encourage you to properly hydrate to enhance shiatsu's therapeutic effects.

It is possible for a healing event to occur a few hours after your session and may last up to 24 hours. A healing event is your body's natural response to the therapy and as a result you may feel tired, headachy, irritable or even hungry. Please rest assured that this is a normal response to bodywork therapy and will resolve within 24 hours.

Also please rest assured that healing events, while common, may not always happen after every therapeutic session.

The first shiatsu session will last anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 hours. This is to allow adequate time to get to know you and your concerns, and to allow some time afterwards to answer questions or have you share your experiences. You will receive a full 60-minute hands-on shiatsu session.

The second and every shiatsu session thereafter will last anywhere from 75-90 minutes, depending on your needs. You will receive a full 60-minute hands-on shiatsu session and ample time to discuss your concerns.

Gua sha, cupping and moxibustion therapeutic sessions generally last 60-75 minutes.

Each person heals at their own pace. The number of sessions needed strictly depends on your overall health, the chronic nature of your condition, and what your health goals are. You may require one or two therapeutic sessions to accomplish your goals, or a sequence of sessions may be in order to help achieve what you are seeking.

I will always check in with you to keep track of your progress and determine if more sessions are in order.

It is important to note that the results of shiatsu are cumulative, with one session building on the last. As such, clients have reported longer-lasting effects with shiatsu therapy than some other manual therapies.

The effects of shiatsu are cumulative - one session builds on the other.

Shiatsu provides a safe space where your body can unwind the internal physical or emotional 'knots' to help rest and heal.

When you're challenged by emotional upset, shiatsu helps your body become better at remapping its response to stressful or anxious situations and will begin to hold these positive feelings for longer periods of time. As this happens you may begin to see a change in your response to events that were typically triggering in the past, such as fears or worries.

Acute physical challenges may resolve in as few as one or two sessions, while conditions of a more chronic nature will take more. However, it bears repeating that the effects of shiatsu (and its related therapies of Gua sha, cupping and moxibustion) are cumulative and you should experience a lessening of symptoms after each session.

Yes! Our world is full of stimuli, sometimes too much for little bodies and minds to healthfully process. Children absolutely benefit from the calming touch of shiatsu.

Please note: When treating children I require that the parent or legal guardian be present in the room.

Although shiatsu is a gentle, non-invasive therapy there are times when you should not receive a session:

• High fever*

• Intoxication*

• Contagious diseases such as chicken pox, shingles, Covid-19*

• High-risk pregnancies (hemorrhaging, IVF in first trimester, former miscarriages, ill health)

• Uncontrolled diabetes or blood pressure (high or low)*

• Severe osteoporosis

• Severe nerve damage

• Leukemia and other types of blood cancer*

• Active cancers and/or actively receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy*

*Once these issues resolve it is considered relatively safe to receive shiatsu.

The Health History Form is fairly comprehensive but I ask that you please inform me if you have any open wounds, broken bones, recent scars, varicose veins, inflamed joints, etc., that may be hidden by clothing. You may still be able to receive shiatsu but I will avoid those areas.

There is a space on the Health History Form that asks you to list all medications, whether they be prescription or over-the-counter or supplements, and I ask you to please be very thorough in listing everything you are taking.

In general, many medications do not interfere with receiving shiatsu, but it is important to discuss the medications you are taking prior to your session so that I may adjust the treatment if necessary.

Blood thinning medications (anti-coagulants) are an example of a precaution in receiving cupping or Gua sha.

Yes!* Shiatsu is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that is so nurturing for mother and baby, and I will make all accommodations for you to feel as comfortable and supported as possible. For example, pillows and bolsters will be amply provided to support knees, back, belly. If you're in your later term we can look at positioning you against a large exercise ball on the floor to relieve back strain, or seated on a stool being fully supported by pillows or bolsters as you lay your head on a massage table.

*provided yours is not a high-risk pregnancy

While you are actively receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy it is best to refrain.

However, when you are between chemo/radiation courses shiatsu can be very helpful in easing the side effects of cancer and its related treatments by helping rebuild the immune system, strength, stamina and overall health.

Please consult with your oncologist to see if shiatsu can be used as a supportive therapy for you.

Yes. Because one is fully clothed during a shiatsu session, and because shiatsu can be adapted for those who are chair- or bed-bound it is fully accessible to people in need of this type of support.

Shiatsu is so very helpful in easing physical, emotional, mental and spiritual pain and suffering, as well as enhancing quality of life.