Greenwich Natural Health Centre: Shiatsu

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Shiatsu - what is it?


Shiatsu (Japanese 'finger pressure' therapy) is a natural healing discipline springing from the same ancient oriental principles as Acupuncture. Like Acupuncture, Shiatsu is believed to stimulate the body's vital energy flow (known as 'chi' in Japanese) in order to promote good health. However, in Shiatsu the practitioner uses thumbs and fingers, elbows and even knees and feet to apply pressure and stretching to the energy lines, known as 'meridians'. How does it work? Physically this has the effect of stimulating the circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, helping to release toxins and deep seated tension from the muscles and stimulating the hormone system. On a more subtle level Shiatsu allows the receiver to relax deeply and get in touch with his/her own body's healing abilities. The therapy usually leaves a feeling of calmness and well-being, and of being more in touch with one's body.

What results can be expected?

After Shiatsu you may feel invigorated yet relaxed. Sometimes the first benefits to occur do not improve the main complaint, but rather overall health.

For example, the body's eliminative functions may have to be improved before specific pain can be relieved. The duration and frequency of your therapy plan will vary from person to person, as will the total number of sessions.

Most people have two opposing tendencies: one, the wish to regain health and freedom: the other, to remain attached to old behaviour patterns which reinforce feelings of ill-health.

While clients may experience increased well-being, temporary 'healing reactions' as toxins and negative emotions may be released; these may take the form of a headache or flu-like symptoms for 24 hours. In such cases contact your therapist.

Shiatsu affects various levels of our being, the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual. The therapy is attuned to the individual's personal development of health and character.

The practitioner may give advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle, encouraging self-understanding and greater independence in health matters. This in turn leads to improved self-confidence and greater peace of mind for the client.

Professional Standards.

Shiatsu Society Registered Practitioners, designated by the initials MRSS after their names, have all achieved an approved standard of training as established by the Shiatsu Society Assessment Panel, and are bound by the Code of Ethics of the Shiatsu Society.

The Society is affiliated to the Institute of Complementary Medicine and is a founder member of the European Shiatsu Federation.

All Registered Practitioners have Professional Indemnity Insurance. As with all complementary therapies, we recommend you seek the advice of your GP or regular medical practitioner before committing yourself to significant therapies, especially those that are physically invasive.

Shiatsu may help with the following conditions:


Anxiety Arthritis pain Back pain Constipation Depression	Headache Insomnia Neck and shoulder pain Poor digestion Premenstrual syndrome	Recovery from injuries Stress Tiredness

Practitioners

	Peter Salt-Berrymen MBAcc. Lic Ac.		Between 1988 and 1993 I studied Reflexology, Tui Na, Shiatsu and Massage. In 1993 I started an Acupuncture course with the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine and graduated in 1996, gaining the qualification, Licentiate in Acupuncture (LIC Ac.), and became a member of the Acupuncture Council at that time. I have taken postgraduate courses in Patent Herbal Medicine (ready made pills not raw herbs); Advanced Needle Techniques; Point Location; infertility and I.V.F., Musculo Skeletal Problems; Tui Na massage; therapies for sports injuries and am a practical skills tutor at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine. I use all of my disciplines in my practice, to get the best results for my clients. I provide therapies for a wide range of conditions, from stress, back pain, frozen shoulder and tennis elbow. Peter's web site

Price list:	60 minute session	£45

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The Greenwich Natural Health Centre Neptune House 70 Royal Hill Greenwich London SE10 8RF Tel: 020 8691 5408

Directors: Carol Williams & Pat Truman de Reimers.