Shiatsu The Hague

Shiatsu is a Japanese pressure point therapy, originating from an ancient Chinese healing art. Shiatsu literally means "finger pressure". We work with the thumbs, hands and elbows to free up the energy flow in the body. Based on the same principles as acupuncture, Shiatsu promotes the natural energy and self-healing ability of the body.

In Shiatsu, we take a holistic view and not only look at symptoms but also the causes of these. We look at the whole of the person, their way of life, diet, mood, and physical posture. Shiatsu is a subtle way inwards, and helps one find a good balance between body and mind.

The human being within their surrounding is central in the traditional Eastern healing arts. The focus is not on the disease, but rather on life energy. The human being is a manifestation of this life energy, called Qi. The connection between body and mind is the the root of this understanding. To promote health and well-being, we strive for a freely flowing and harmonious stream of Qi in the body.

Qi streams within a network of meridians (energy paths) through our whole body, and connects everything. If the Qi-stream is disturbed for prolonged periods of time and stagnates, physical complaints and finally disease may arise. Shiatsu provides deep relaxation and lifts obstructions to allow the free flow of Qi and promote blood circulation.

Shiatsu is a physical therapy that can have a positive effect on a large range of symptoms. By regulating the energy flow in the body, the treatment will improve the balance in your energy system with a vitalizing effect. Shaitsu is relaxing and strengthens your healthy resistance and physical awareness. By activating the natural powers of the body, shiatsu also increases the body and mind's self-healing abilities.

Shiatsu can help with a range of complaints and symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue
• Lessened vitality
• Stress and emotional tension
• Depression
• Shortness of breath
• Headache and migraine
• Insomnia
• Lack of concentration
• Neck, back, and shoulder problems
• Muscle and joint aches
• Indigestion and metabolism problems
• Menopause and menstruation complaints
• Pregnancy issues
• Relief of complaints due to chronic illness, such as rheumatism and arthritis
• Unexplained symptoms

Contraindications

Shiatsu is discouraged when suffering from fever, viral infection, cancer, or after recent surgery. Shiatsu is not a replacement for regular Western medicine. However, shiatsu is known to offer complementary benefits to regular Western medicine.

With the help of the thumbs, palms of the hands, and elbows, and by using the weight of the body, pressure is exerted on the meridians (energy paths) of the body. In that way, life energy, called Qi, is spread, stimulated, and induced to move. The natural state of the Qi-stream is restored and balanced as far as possible. In addition, energy blockages are reduced through stretching and mobilizing the ligaments, .

A few points of note:

• Before commencing treatment, a diagnosis is made on the basis of the wrist, back, or belly, in order to offer the right therapy.
• Shiatsu involves providing pressure through clothing, so it is adviced to wear comfortable clothing.
• The treatment takes place on a futon (a traditional Japanese matress), on the floor.
• Avoid commotion and stress after treatment, and drink plenty of extra water.

For a good treatment, it is necessary and a legal obligation that I, as your acting Shiatsu therapist, maintain a file with your personal details. I need your consent to allow me to do so, and I will therefore ask you to sign a declaration which you can view here. If you like, please bring a signed copy of this to your next appointment.

Margot Rood is a registered Iokai Shiatsu therapist. She completed four years education in Iokai Shiatsu at the Amsterdam School for Iokai Shiatsu, followed by two years education in the principles of Western medicine. She continues to develop her knowledge and skills through additional education in her profession, for instance at Well Mother, run by Suzanne Yates in Bristol, England. In this training Margot specialises in women's health and pregnancy.

Shaitsu combines many of her personal interests. For Margot, shiatsu means a meditative form of working in silence, to focus all attention on contact with another.

Margot is a member of the Dutch Association of Shiatsu Therapists (Shiatsu Vereniging Nederland), Iokai (Alumni Iokai Shiatsu Therapists) en the European International Shiatsu Association. She is registered at the Register of Practitioners of Complementary Care (Register Beroepsbeoefenaren Complementaire Zorg, RBCZ) and overseen by the disciplinary committee of the Disciplinary Law Complementary Care (Tuchtrecht Complementaire Zorg, TCZ).