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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.

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Shiatsu on a futon, rather than a massage table, can offer several unique benefits. Here are a few reasons why I do prefer this setup: More Natural Alignment: In Shiatsu, as a therapist I often apply pressure with hands, fingers, elbows, or even feet. A futon on the floor allows me to work with a more natural body alignment, where the patient can be in a more grounded, relaxed position. This is especially important since Shiatsu is based on principles of balancing energy (Qi), and a more neutral posture can help facilitate this. Better Mobility for the Therapist: Working on a futon offers the therapist more freedom to move around the patient, transition between different positions, and apply more varied techniques (like using body weight for pressure). I can also perform stretching and joint mobilisation more comfortably than on a massage table. Energy Flow: Shiatsu is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, where energy flow (Qi) is important. Some believe that working directly on the ground, or at floor level, helps maintain a better connection with the earth and improves the flow of Qi. The futon setup might be thought to enhance this connection, creating a more grounded experience for the patient. Comfort and Relaxation: The futon tends to be softer but more supportive, which can make it a more comfortable surface for long sessions. It’s also easier for some people to fully relax in a horizontal position on the floor, as it feels more natural and less restrictive compared to a raised massage table. Cultural and Traditional Aspects: Shiatsu, as a Japanese healing practice, is often performed on a futon as it aligns with traditional methods. This might enhance the experience for those seeking a more authentic or culturally immersive treatment. Flexibility: The futon is portable, so it’s easier for therapists to bring their practice to clients in different locations. Additionally, because it's not a rigid table, the therapist can adapt to the client's body and the treatment being provided with more freedom of movement. So, if you're considering a Shiatsu session, the futon setup may provide a more authentic, comfortable, and flexible experience compared to the massage table. Have you tried it before, or are you thinking about trying it out?

Using a Tibetan singing bowl during a Shiatsu session can enhance the therapeutic effects in several ways: 1. Deep Relaxation & Stress Relief The vibrations and tones of a singing bowl create a calming effect, helping the patient reach a state of deep relaxation. This can enhance the parasympathetic nervous system response, which is key in Shiatsu for reducing stress and promoting healing. 2. Energy Balancing Shiatsu is based on the concept of Ki (Qi) flow through the meridians. The sound vibrations of a Tibetan bowl can help unblock stagnant energy and harmonise the body's natural rhythms, complementing the Shiatsu practitioner's work on meridians and pressure points. 3. Enhanced Mind-Body Awareness The sound of the bowl can bring focus and presence to both the practitioner and the receiver, making the session more mindful and meditative. 4. Deepening the Effects of Touch The combination of sound vibrations and Shiatsu pressure techniques can amplify the body's receptivity to healing, helping muscles and tissues release tension more effectively. 5. Chakra & Meridian Alignment Some practitioners use singing bowls in specific placements—like on the abdomen, back, or near chakras—to enhance energetic alignment alongside meridian work.

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Jean-Philippe Guichard, Shiatsu therapist based in Morden, UK, integrates his background in Qigong into his practice. His journey into oriental health practices and energy work began at the Shaolin Temple in London, where he developed a passion for both Shiatsu and Qigong. The Shaolin Qigong stick is traditionally used to stimulate energy flow, release tension, and promote overall well-being. By concluding sessions with this practice, he may aim to further balance the client's energy (Qi) and deepen the benefits of the Shiatsu treatment.

CONTACT

J-Philippe GUICHARD

Massage Therapy Studio 

24, Camrose Close

Morden SM45DQ. UK

+44 (0)73 8080 6956

© 2024 by jeanphilippeguichard.com

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