FAQs
What is shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a hands-on, Japanese style of therapeutic bodywork that is rooted in Classical and Traditional Chinese Medicine. You will be clothed the entire time. My touch can range from gentle to firm depending on your preference and needs. There is some light stretching and opening of the joint spaces, similar to what you might experience in yoga.
Like acupuncture, Shiatsu can also benefit your internal systems aiding in digestion, sleep, stress-relief, respiratory support, immune support and more. It is also incredibly beneficial for a wide range of emotional distresses, chronic illnesses, and chronic pain.
In-studio shiatsu sessions take place on a comfortable futon mat on the floor, as is the traditional method. While I can help you get up and down from the floor, please make sure you are able to make that transition safely before booking your appointment. In special cases, with advance notice, I can work with you on a massage table. A massage table is also used for in-home sessions.
How does shiatsu work?
Shiatsu is deeply relaxing for your nervous system, allowing your body’s own resources to be appropriately distributed to where they need to go as opposed to being directed into flight/fight mode caused by daily stressors. Shiatsu facilitates an increase in circulation throughout your body and your organ systems, helping the newly available resources to move throughout the body efficiently.
When should I seek treatment?
Shiatsu can be effective for treating a variety of mild to severe complaints in categories such as:
- Stress: tension, sleep problems, anxiety
- Pain reduction: headache, muscle tension, joint pain, chronic pain
- Stiffness: back, neck, shoulders, hips
- Injury recovery: sports accidents, overuse
- Digestion: acid reflux, bloating, elimination difficulty
- Respiratory: sinuses, allergies, frequent colds
- Reproductive health: fertility, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause
- Immune system: low energy, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, frequent illness
- Emotional support: depression, anxiety, fear, phobias, worry, grief
What can I expect in a session?
A session lasts approximately 45-50 minutes after a brief intake. Your first appointment will be a little longer due to a more thorough health history intake. Before each session we will set goals for the treatment, and then you will lie on the floor. No oils or lotions are used, as you will be fully clothed in your own comfortable attire. I have bolsters and a blanket to keep you comfortable.
I will address your concerns and goals by applying my palms, fingers, thumbs, and elbows to your channel system – the same system used in acupuncture. The amount of pressure can vary from gentle to firm according to your preferences and needs. I will address your entire body, even if you are seeking treatment for one specific area. The body is an entire unit and what happens in the legs can impact the head and neck.
After the session you will likely feel very calm and relaxed. Your complaints may be totally gone, or at least noticeably reduced. Shiatsu results tend to last longer than regular massage, but the effects are cumulative. Several treatments over subsequent weeks can have a long-lasting impact.
What should I wear to my session?
You will be fully clothed during your entire session. Please wear comfortable clothing that you can easily move in, such as workout clothes. I recommend sweatpants or yoga pants (not shorts), and a loose fitting shirt. Socks may be worn or not, according to your comfort.
How often should I receive shiatsu?
Shiatsu treatments have a cumulative effect, over time the benefits deepen and strengthen and eventually last longer. When working with a specific condition (ex: digestive concerns, shoulder stiffness) it is best to receive shiatsu once per week for a minimum of three consecutive weeks – although it is likely you will notice an improvement after the first session.
The weekly visits allow for a regular interruption of the body’s habitual pain/stress response. The more the habitual response is interrupted, the more effective the shiatsu will be ongoing. After your third visit we will assess how the sessions are working, and develop an ongoing treatment plan.
As an example you may see me for three weeks in a row, followed by 2-3 sessions every other week, followed by monthly sessions for another 3 to 6 months. At that time you may continue your monthly visits or simply return for sessions as needed.
Do you accept health insurance?
I do not bill insurance for my sessions. However, most FSA or HSA plans will cover or reimburse for massage when indicated by a physician, and Shiatsu is billed as massage. If you’re unsure about any of this I suggest you reach out to your benefits administrator at work or to your insurance company directly to ask them about massage benefits and reimbursement options. I have no control over how your plan accepts or reimburses for massage therapy, but I will do my best to support your options for reimbursement or coverage.
What is your cancellation policy?
Appointments can be canceled or changed with no penalty up to 24 hours before the scheduled session. If you cancel within 24 hours of your appointment your deposit will not be returned as it is nearly impossible to rebook an appointment in that timeframe. If the cancellation fee is a financial burden for you please reach out to me directly to discuss.
Should I tip for a shiatsu appointment?
Gratuity is appreciated but not expected or required. Please only tip what you can afford. Anything from $5 to $25 would be reasonable.
Tips may be made in cash or added on to the balance charge at the end of your session.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Gift cards can be purchased online for any type of appointment I offer. Note that if you are purchasing as a gift for someone else, you will be given the option to deliver the gift card by email to any address.