What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is the application of appropriate pressure to specific points and areas on your feet, hands, or ears. These areas or "reflex points" correspond to different body organs and systems. Pressing these points has a beneficial effect on the corresponding organs and your general health and well-being. For example, reflexology holds that your big toe corresponds to your head and neck. Therefore, pressing on an area of your big toe can help alleviate headache or a sore neck!
Massage & Shiatsu Bodywork
Shiatsu massage treats common psychological and physical complaints by pressing pressure points. It helps to alleviate disorders such as depression, anxiety, nausea, stiffness, headaches, arthritis, cramps, or pulled muscles. This Japanese equivalent of the Chinese method of acupressure comes from the Japanese words "shi" and "atsu," meaning "finger pressure."
Shiatsu massage, sometimes called Zen shiatsu, unifies spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of the body. Some westernized massage techniques are combined with the view that energy, qi or chi, circulates along channels called meridians. When freely flowing, qi brings fresh, strong energy and carries away spent energy along with toxins. In this view, any number of influences upset our natural balance of yin and yang. Blocked or diverted qi must be cleared and restored. An Eastern perspective does not cite sleeplessness, indigestion, swollen joints, headaches, or depression as sources of discomfort, but sees them as symptoms of either hyperactive or underproductive qi.
When using Shiatsu I first make a diagnosis, assessing where qi flows healthily and where it may be depleted or obstructed. Then, if you have any specific ailments, I do light massaging to feel which pressure points are tight or tender. These pressure points lie along fourteen meridians running the length of your body. Once diagnosing your problem areas, I will then gently but firmly apply pressure using fingers, knuckles, thumbs, palms, and elbows.