ABOUT | Pure Shiatsu

My name is Jean Philippe

I came to Shiatsu through an interest in oriental health practices and energy work which started at the Shaolin Temple in London.

My two great passions in life, Shiatsu and Health Qigong, are ways of experiencing life consciously and to radiate this from within.

I as Shiatsu therapist provide treatments, guidance and advice geared towards stimulating your vital strength and health. As an Asian Physical Therapist I will not heal you or bring you to a higher level of consciousness. You already have these powers within yourself. I am giving you support when you need it.

Jean
Philippe GUICHARD

Long time ago, Asian healers were expected to know eight levels of healing and to become skilled in the Five Excellences. These included techniques of self-development and self defense as well as the tools of one’s trade. Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation were practiced to maintain one’s health and increase sensitivity. “Physician, heal thyself” was the healer’s conviction. The ancient masters realised the healing potential of human energy and saw it as a tool in helping others. They knew of the importance of developing and cultivating this energy, or spirit, to its fullest degree within themselves. This would allow them to become effective and highly skilled practitioners. To “heal thyself” would be to help in healing others.

Shiatsu Therapy is one of the 8 alternative approaches indicated by the European Parliament (A4-0075/1997) as being “a nonconventional medicine worthy of interest” which enables you to preserve your capital health.

Since 1955, the technique of Shiatsu Therapy is recognised like a medicine with whole share by the Japanese ministry of Health.

It takes three years to become a qualified Shiatsu therapist but the basic technique is further enriched by consistent daily practice and I regularly attend continuing professional development courses to keep my skills up to date.

I was born to a Vietnamese family in France in 1965. My father was a martial artist and I began studying martial arts with him, and later studied Qigong, Kung fu and Taoist practices, including Zen Shiatsu and Heisei Shiatsu with European masters.

Every shiatsu therapist is different. My Pure Shiatsu is a modern approach to well-being that uses touch, movement, awareness of breath, relaxation techniques and full body holding to help create a safe container for the receiver to relax more deeply and to stimulate the natural regenerative powers of the body allowing symptoms of disease to possibly lessen and vitality to grow.

In the spirit of the Shiatsu pioneers, I am dedicated to “BEING WITH a person rather than doing something to a person”. All of the techniques and forms applied in a session arise from a place of the practitioner listening and responding to what is happening in the body and breath of the receiver.

A dedicated Pure Shiatsu session is generally from 30 - 90 minutes in length. Both practitioner and receiver wear loose, comfortable clothing and the practice is given on a large futon or soft floor space with cushions and a blanket. The receiver may feel grounding contact, full body stretches and joint mobility, acupressure point activation, myo-fasical unwinding and release, energy body balancing, holding of the cranium to listen to the fluid aspects of the body and other simple massage methods.

I qualified as a Health Qigong Instructor, an Ear Acupuncturist and as a Puro Shiatsu Therapist. Member of the Complementary Therapist Association (CThA) and fully insured with Holistic Insurance.

P.S.S (Graduate of Shiatsu) - Professional Shiatsu School

EAR Acupuncture Master Class Graduate - Yuan Clinic & Trad. Medicine College

Ba Duan Jin & Ma Wang Dui Instructor of the British Health Qigong Association (BHQA)

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan. It uses kneading, pressing, soothing, tapping, and stretching techniques and is performed without oils through light, comfortable clothing.

"Shiatsu" translates as "finger pressure." There are different styles of Shiatsu, all of which have roots in one of three systems that developed in Japan in the early 1900s as a result of a resurgence of Japan's traditional medical therapies, including acupuncture and anma massage. Shiatsu developed at this time from the integration of traditional Japanese manual therapies with modern western medical knowledge.

How can Shiatsu benefit your health and wellbeing?

Shiatsu is a non-invasive therapy that may help reduce stress and contribute to overall wellbeing. Proponents believe that it has both preventative and remedial effects.

Shiatsu can be used in the treatment of a wide range of internal, musculoskeletal, and emotional conditions. It is thought to reduce muscle stiffness, stimulate the skin, aid digestion, and influence the nervous system. Shiatsu is used to treat a wide range of chronic conditions, such as headaches, PMS, digestive disorders, fatigue, insomnia, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, and muskuloskeletal pain, including low back, neck, and joint pain.

The effect may be stimulating and invigorating or calming and sedative, depending on the goal of the session.

What are the principles of Shiatsu?

One of the fundamental concepts of Chinese/Japanese medicine is Qi . This is the vital energy in our body that underlies all functioning.

Qi flows in specific pathways called meridians. The Shiatsu therapist accesses the Qi through points along the meridians called Vital Points. Health is present when there is abundant Qi in the meridians and the flow is unobstructed. When the Qi becomes deficient or out of balance, or the flow is obstructed, symptoms arise. Seemingly minor signs emerge, such as regular colds and flus, weekly or daily headaches, body aches and muscular pain, or digestive difficulties. These are indications of the imbalance of Qi. Shiatsu stimulates and harmonises the flow of Qi throughout the body.

The Shiatsu therapist is trained to recognise patterns of disharmony in the body, even prior to physical signs appearing. Simple yet subtle changes are indications of an imbalance that, left alone, may progress to a point where symptoms appear. Balance can be restored with proper assessment and regular Shiatsu sessions. Shiatsu Therapist may also offer lifestyle and activity recommendations.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

The session is given fully clothed. Please wear loose clothing and have arms and legs fully covered, e.g. a tracksuit and long sleeved t-shirt.

The treatment will be given on a futon by your Asian Physical Therapist Jean Philippe Guichard or on a Shiatsu table depending on the flexibility of the patient.

Generally the whole body is worked with gentle pressure applied with the thumbs along the energy pathways in order to stimulate the correct flow of energy within the body.

The treatment can include stretches, rotations and mere holding.

After a Shiatsu treatment it is very important to rest or at least not to engage in strenuous activities in order for the work of the session to be fully assimilated. Drink plenty of water.

Frequency of sessions: This depends on what you want to achieve and totally up to the individual. I am happy to advise after a couple of treatments.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between a Shiatsu Therapist and massage Practitioner ?

Shiatsu is the application of deep sensitive pressure using the thumbs, fingers and hands, and some therapists also apply techniques using their elbows, and knees. Many times shiatsu therapists will also apply several joint manipulating stretches and movements. Shiatsu treatment does not involve the use of oil as there are no rubbing or sliding-along-the-skin techniques, as found in massage. Shiatsu clients can wear loose comfortable clothing instead of disrobing during their treatment. Shiatsu can be performed to clients on a futon, on the floor, in a chair, or on a table. Shiatsu tables are lower to allow the therapist to apply her weight as opposed to relying on strength. Theoretically shiatsu is also a unique from massage as some approaches focus on treatment through the meridian energy system, others on a deep physiological understanding of specific points on the body.

I’m pregnant, is it a good idea to receive treatments?

Absolutely!! Shiatsu is beneficial for normal symptoms of pregnancy, and can provide significant relief during a time when women may not be able to use conventional medicine. Some shiatsu therapists have specific advanced training in pregnancy care, and many shiatsu therapists treat pregnant women frequently.

Is there any risk of injury?

A properly trained shiatsu therapist should be applying appropriate pressure when performing a shiatsu treatment, as well as taking a thorough health history form to indicate any history of illness or injury. It is also important for the client to express any tendencies toward brusing easily, or pain or discomfort they may be feeling before and during treatment.

Can I receive Shiatsu whilst on medication?

Yes. Your shiatsu therapist should take an involved initial intake form where you indicate whether you are currently taking medication and take details of any medical conditions you are suffering from. If you are receiving ongoing treatments and your medications change, it is important to let your therapist know. If you have any questions or concerns it is always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Shiatsu help with ongoing or incurable conditions?

Yes. Shiatsu can offer support and can often help to moderate or manage symptoms even if the problem will never really go away. An increased sense of well being due to Shiatsu may boost tolerance levels in the receiver, helping them to deal with the symptoms more easily.

Can I benefit from treatment even if I don’t have any problems?

Everyone can benefit from shiatsu. In its essence, shiatsu is improving circulation and nervous system function. Even if you feel great you can expect to have an improved sense of overall well-being, have more balanced energy, and sleep better. Also, the act of surrendering to touch is a very healing action. Many people spend so much time caring for others and do not take the time to be treated and nurtured. Many studies show the benefits of touch in healing the mind and body.

Jean Philippe GUICHARD