Asian Body Work Minnesota

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Shiatsu relies on a detailed map of energetic pathways throughout the body that reflex to every bodily process, including musculoskeletal and emotional functions. By accessing energy in these pathways, shiatsu relieves health problems naturally, without drugs or harsh treatments. Shiatsu balances your body, guiding it to heal itself.

What should I expect at my Shiatsu appointment?
One way shiatsu differs from Western massage is its foundation in an extensive health assessment. Each shiatsu session begins with a thoughtful, personalized health assessment to individualize treatment. There are four pillars of evaluation: Observing, palpating, asking and listening. It may seem unusual to those not accustomed to holistic medicine, but asking the right questions about sleep patterns, diet, cravings and moods can reveal telling clues to a patient's overall health, and the pathways of blocked energy that may be causing their symptoms.

A trained shiatsu practitioner will also evaluate a client's tongue and pulse. Shiatsu therapists are meticulously trained to “read” the tongue sort of like an “x-ray” of the internal organs. The size, shape, color and coating on a client's tongue helps the therapist to properly assess a client's condition. Different qualities of the pulse, such as force and volume, also help in this determination. Simply by considering these factors, a shiatsu therapist can often predict the client's symptoms even before they are told!

Each client's shiatsu experience is different. Shiatsu is a combination of bodywork and energy work. It is traditionally performed on a futon rolled out onto the floor. The client wears loose, comfortable clothing that can accommodate stretching. A little powder, not oil, is used on hands, feet and other skin-exposed areas. Clients leave feeling balanced and refreshed.

Shiatsu is indulgent, and it is medicinal. Because shiatsu is both [bodywork] and rooted in a powerful medicine it bridges the gap between the spa experience and the doctor's office. It doesn't replace either, but acts as a perfect adjunct to both. For me, this is the most exciting and important things about shiatsu.
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What is Cupping?

by Cate Fogarty
previously printed in StressFree Living (www.stressfreeliving.org)

Cupping functions somewhat like a household plunger on a sink drain. Sore muscles often hold stagnated blood, lymph and other toxins. Cupping clears these “clogs” in the body, and by releasing stagnation it releases pain and “dis-ease.”

Practitioners of cupping therapy create a vacuum in the cup, using either fire or a small hand pump, before placing the cups on points around the body. Negative pressure partially draws skin into the cup, turning it red with heat.

Cups are usually applied to the back or abdomen and can help alleviate pain, digestive complaints, and respiratory disorders. Joints can also be cupped to reduce soreness and swelling due to chronic issues or acute injuries. Painless circular bruises may occur as a result of cupping therapy, and can last up to 14 days, though most disappear within a week. These marks are the only possible side effect of cupping therapy.

As in acupuncture, cupping can be used not only on whole regions of the body but to engage the energy of specific points. For instance, a practitioner may place cups on the Lung and Wind points of the upper back to help disperse a cold or respiratory condition.
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