Shiatsu (pronounced shee-aht-sue) is a Japanese form of gentle acupressure that reduces stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves blood circulation, increases flexibility, helps balance emotions, reduces migraines and treats insomnia and menstrual problems. Shiatsu is incredibly relaxing. I tell my patients to imagine they are a rag doll during a treatment. You just lie there and I'll move your arms and legs around as needed. I will do acupressure on your legs, hands, feet, shoulders and back. Good stuff. Before each shiatsu treatment, you will lie on your back and I will do a gentle palpation on your abdomen. This is called a hara diagnosis. This allows the me to see which organs are imbalanced energetically. My treatment goal is to create balance and harmony in the body so you feel better. During a shiatsu treatment, I will apply gentle pressure along your arms, legs, back, hands and feet using my fingers, thumbs, and/or palms in a continuous rhythmic sequence. Unlike other forms of massage, you remain fully clothed during the treatment so please wear or bring comfortable clothes. Note: Acupuncture needles are NOT used for shiatsu treatments. Honestly, I am very careful when I answer this question. I feel acupuncture helps you manage your cravings and decrease stress levels. And stress is a big factor in weight loss. A lot of people are emotional eaters, so when they are stressed, they reach for their favorite bag of chips or another slice of pizza (I am so guilty of this!).
I do tell people when they ask this question that yes, acupuncture can help, but I can’t put a needle in and in two days you’ll lose 10 lbs. It doesn’t work like that. Acupuncture is not a “quick fix” for weight loss, but it can help you manage your stress, cravings and give you more energy. You need a balanced approach to weight loss- plenty of sleep and water, ease into exercise and surround yourself with good food. Acupuncture can help you have more energy so you can exercise regularly. If you’re sore from exercise, then acupuncture can help you recovery faster. If you’re not sleeping well, acupuncture can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. No. My Grandma asks me this each time I give her a treatment. (I love you, Grandma!)
Acupuncture needles are sterile and used only one time. There is no medicine on the needles. I truly believe your body knows how to heal itself. But It takes time and sometimes we need to get out of the way (so to speak) and not rush the process. Acupuncture helps “wake up” your body’s innate healing abilities and can jump start the healing process. To learn a bit more about how acupuncture works, click here. How does acupuncture work?
No one is really sure. It’s magic. Okay, I’m totally kidding. There are a lot of theories out there and many scientists are intrigued by acupuncture because there is no clear answer to how it works, they just know that it works. Here is one of the most concise and practical explanations (from a Western medicine perspective) I have found about how acupuncture works. A big thank you to Alyssa Dazet, LAc for this. “Acupuncture is actually incredibly scientific. Bundles of nerves are found beneath the main acupuncture points. When a needle penetrates the skin, not only is a domino effect of neurotransmitters and hormones released from this action such as serotonin and substance P, but also the nervous system is stimulated for the purpose of always working to bring the body back into balance, which ultimately is the process of bringing the body back into homeostasis.” - Alyssa Dazet, Licensed Acupuncturist Eastern medicine practitioners may describe how acupuncture works by using terms like “Qi” or “meridians”. This is not to throw you for a loop. It’s just how we were taught that acupuncture works. The language is different, but the results are the same. Acupuncture works. Qi- your vital life force; energy Meridians-pathways throughout your body where Qi flows |