my thoughts on SHIATSU

Shiatsu is a touch based therapy that was originally developed in Japan.




        Often mistaken for a massage...


Shiatsu is a gentle and deeply healing natural treatment using the fingers, elbows and knees.

Shiatsu is given by a practitioner on a futon while the client is fully clothed.


It looks like a massage, and in some way feels like a massage but it has a part to it that is healing and deeply soothing when given by a trained practitioner.


Shiatsu improves the metabolism by stimulating capillary action in the blood vessels and promoting lymphatic drainage.

The skin is invigorated, cells are nourished, waste is removed and the balance of the body is achieved.

Whether the client just wants to have a relaxing time or has a specific condition that they would like to address  -  Shiatsu can provide a space for healing and a place of respite. 


Each time a client comes for Shiatsu, they will have a different treatment because the practitioner tailors each treatment based on the condition presented by the client on that day.


Shiatsu is a preventative medicine and regular sessions help to prevent the build-up of stress in the body to ward off illness, and maintain good health.


By using the theories and tools of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Shiatsu practitioner can give a diagnosis to the client about their current physical, emotional or mental condition.


Before a treatment begins, the practitioner may check the clients' pulse, check the tongue and check the hara to find out where the imbalances are so that an appropriate treatment personally tailored to that client may be given.


The clients' presenting condition as well as their medical history will be addressed and considered during the treatment. 


As the treatment progresses - stretches and releases of joints, fascia, muscles and the spine will be performed. 

The practitioner pays attention to appropriate energetic lines (TCM meridian) on the body, or points on the meridian throughout the treatment to address imbalances and promote healing. 



 Each session can take anything from an hour to one and a half hour.

Shiatsu can help in a wide range of conditions from specific injuries to more general symptoms of poor health. 


Conditions that can be addressed by a Shiatsu treatment:

asthma and respiratory illnesses, depression, digestive disorders, constipation, irritable bowel, anxiety, pregnancy, menstrual issues, headaches migraines, sports injuries, back, neck and shoulder pain, RSI, insomnia, fatigue, muscle tension,heart palpitations and stress.

Because Shiatsu is a total body therapy and is based on the philosophy of restoring harmony in the body and the mind as well as emotions - the practitioner will usually give advice to the client regarding diet, yoga,meditation and healing exercises to further support the clients' well-being after the treatment.

my thoughts on CHI NEI TSANG

Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) is a healing practice that works directly on the vital organs of the body.


Using the fingers and sometimes the elbows, the abdominal area is worked gently to access the different layers of skin around and within the abdomen and ultimately the vital organs themselves where blocks and pain are held.


Sometimes called Applied Chi Kung or Abdominal Chi Kung Massage, together with the breathing and meditative techniques, the organs are worked to clear blockages, release tension, and address imbalances.


By working in between the layers of skin the fascia and the different systems of the body, the CNT practitioner influences the motility of the main organs of the client.


In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is regarded that the abdomen is where we store and process toxicity and store emotional stress.


Emotions such as worry, anger, hatred, fear, sadness can all be linked to specific organs of the body.


When we get sick it is believed that it is because of the toxicity brought about by these emotions and this manifests as imbalances within these organs which affects our vitality, our creativity, our moods, our posture, our relationship with ourselves, with the environment and other people.


When these emotions becomes embedded in our system and the toxicity builds up, chronic diseases then follows.


By working from the hara and using the breath, the CNT practitioner releases tensions from the deepest layers of muscles, tendons, and nerve tissues where emotional stress and energy blocks are held.
 


This work allows the receiver of CNT to feel their own body where they enter a profound state of relaxation allowing the  body to repair itself where healing can occur.


This process also releases toxicity in the organs and the emotions that are held within it can also rise to the surface. Pain often accompanies these releases as well as realizations of their current state of well-being.


On a superficial level the affects of a CNT treatment will allow the receiver to go back to homeostasis.


It helps with digestion, constipation, bloating, reduces or relieves chronic pains, such as back, neck and shoulder pains and problems related to misalignments of the pelvis, legs, and feet.


Chi Nei Tsang is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica, headaches, and back pain as well as  anxiety, asthma, heart problems to name a few.


On a deeper level CNT is a powerful healing tool that can transform an individual by working on their patterns of behaviours and by recognizing where the heart of their difficulties are .


Depending on the receivers ability to deal with this detoxification or how close they are willing to go to the source of these imbalances. CNT will remind their body where the source of imbalances are so that the client may deal with them with the assistance of the practitioner.


Whether the pain or blockages is brought about by uninformed postural habits, environmental factors such as stress from work, or emotional entanglement from past emotional/physical trauma, CNT can address these including all body systems including the muscular system, both smooth, cardiac and skeletal system.


Choosing to pursue this modality as a client requires a willingness to make lifestyle changes as one begins to feel better to support the process. 

about my study in Chi Nei Tsang

There is only a handfull of qualified Chi Nei Tsang practitioners in Sydney because there is a shortage of qualified teachers here in Australia.

In Sydney, Chi Nei Tsang Abdominal Chi Kung Massage is not a very popular healing modality. Compared to US or Canada where it is a lot more well known amongst practitioners or discerning clients who are seeking natural theraphy for stress management and health maintenance. 

I learnt this healing system in 2007 through my teacher Khadro from the Khadro school of CNT which is based in Canada.

Teacher Khadro learnt CNT directly from Master Mantak Chia of the Universal Healing Tao System.

She only comes to Sydney to teach CNT and Healing Love Chi Kung amongst others once every couple of years.

In 1998 I learnt the Iron Shirt Chi Kung, Inner Smile meditation and the Microcosmic orbit meditation from a Universal Healing Tao teacher named Gabrielle Krebbers. 

I re learnt all these healing techniques again with teacher Khadro when she presented the Healing Love weekend in Sydney in 2009.

Testimonial- These testimonials were sent to me by some of my clients who have had regular treatments from me.

"I had a great bowel motion after the Chi Nei Tsang treatment. Also felt things moving and clearing down there. It was so relaxing , really really nice.." (ten days after giving birth to her first child.) Catriona Davies- Naturopath, Remedial /Pregnancy massage therapist


"Every session I had with Fuji, I felt looked after, cared for, nurtured, and supported. I experienced insights, learnings, deep rest, and very manageable emotional release during and after his sessions. I would recommend him to any and all who would like to be supported in letting go."  Daniel Collinson- (Physiotherapist.)


Recently I had some treatments from Fuji by means of Chi Nei Tsang.  I had been reading a book on this method and using some self help techniques, but while I was in Sydney a short time ago I decided to look up a practitioner of Chi Nei Tsang.  I had 3 treatments from Fuji and found it to be of great benefit, both physically and emotionally.  I felt a lot of suppressed emotions lifting and leaving my body, as well as sadness gently moving out.  The first treatment was incredibly painful but by the last session I had barely any pain left at all.  I had a feeling of serenity and happiness and a type of surety about my journey.  I am so grateful to Fuji for his ability to assist me in letting go of excess baggage I had obviously been accumulating for many years.  I was so astounded with the treatment that I now wish to learn how to help others with this very gentle, spiritual healing method.

I would whole heartedly recommend this beautiful method of healing to anyone requiring direction in their lives and to receive emotional freedom, as this was the greatest gift it afforded me.

It would not have been quite the same had it not been for the intuitiveness and compassion which Fuji displayed throughout the treatment sessions.

With gratitude, Christina (Townsville)


"Fuji's treatments have been immensely helpful and enjoyable. From relief from bloating in my guts through to reaching a level of rest that is utterly rare in my busy life I cannot recommend Fuji's services any more enthusiastically". Paul Nunes- (Teacher)

 
"I have experienced Fuji's fantastic shiatsu therapy on 2 occasions. The 1st was a full 1 1/2hr massage mostly on my back but from head to toe on each side of my body. This was great for relieving stress and tense muscles and left me feeling awesome. "
"The 2nd time I was sick with a cold and Fuji focussed on my upper body - shoulders and chest. I suffer from asthma which is usually very mild but on this day with cold weather and a flu, my lungs were very constricted and breathing was difficult."
"Fuji applied his slow, steady and firm massage technique to my chest, arms and neck, as well as some cupping on my upper back and quickly my lungs were feeling happy again. "
"Fuji's Shiatsu Therapy is excellent for relieving muscle tension in a way that takes the stress out of your body. He is very aware of how each part of the body works with the others and thus massage's much more than just your muscles. I strongly recommend him for bettering your health." Tom D. (musician)


"I have complete faith in Fuji's ability to nurture myself and others, physically and emotionally through his innate sense of touch, knowledge of Shiatsu and Chi Nei Tsang."
Liz Stern (Remedial Massage/ShiatsuTherapist)