What kind of massage services do you offer?
What is Shiatsu?
What do I wear for a Shiatsu session?
What does Shiatsu feel like? What can I expect?
How will I feel after a Shiatsu session?
What aftercare advice should I follow?
How many treatments should I receive? How often should I receive Shiatsu?
Can I receive Shiatsu while pregnant?
Are there conditions when I should NOT receive Shiatsu?
Do you provide in home services?
Do you accept insurance?

What kind of massage services do you offer?
Shiatsu is the main bodywork therapy offered at Qi Shiatsu, but it is an integrative style that also incorporates Swedish, acupressure, some stretching and craniosacral therapy. Using multiple modalities helps better address your specific needs.

What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu (pronounced "shee-AHT-soo") is a form of bodywork that originated in China and Japan. Meaning "finger pressure" in Japanese, Shiatsu uses fingers, hands and elbows to apply specific pressure to points across the body. This precise pressure aids the body in relaxing tense muscles more efficiently and completely, as well as encouraging balance in the natural restorative processes of the body. The principles of Shiatsu are based in Chinese Medicine (like acupuncture). The basic theory of Chinese medicine is that the body and mind must be in balance with its environment. Disease and dysfunction arise from lack of balance, which can be caused by stress, environmental factors, diet, sleep habits, injuries etc. Qi (pronounced "CHEE") is the vital energy that flows throughout your body, and while uninhibited qi flow promotes health and balance, blocked or deficient qi causes dysfunction. Shiatsu functions to restore qi flow, which helps the body find balance and therefore move towards a state of improved health. 

What do I wear for a Shiatsu session?
While traditional Shiatsu is performed with the client fully clothed lying on a mat on the floor, the integrative style provided at Qi Shiatsu allows the client to lie on a massage table with cushions. Clients may choose to either receive the bodywork fully clothed or disrobe to their comfort level and lie between sheets. While most clients choose to use sheets, either option is conducive for a therapeutic and relaxing Shiatsu session. Please note that no matter which option, you will always be appropriately covered throughout the session.

What does Shiatsu feel like? What can I expect?
Shiatsu feels different than other massages. Since most of the session involves finger pressure on specific points, the points worked will oftentimes be significant and FEEL significant. It is normal to have the sensation of a "feel good" pain. At times, the pressure can feel intense, but this feeling typically only lasts 10-15 seconds, and clients can many times feel the intensity subsiding and the muscle relaxing. Since Shiatsu works acupoints that lie on channels that run across the body, it is also normal to feel referral pain or sensations away from the area that is being worked. Do not hesitate to provide feedback to the therapist if the pressure is too much. Despite all these sensations, Shiatsu can be deeply relaxing and it is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep.

How will I feel after a Shiatsu session?
Shiatsu is deeply therapeutic in that it can be both relaxing and energizing. It is normal for clients to feel relaxed and perhaps a bit out of it right after a session, then get a "second wind" of energy later in their day. It is also common for clients to sleep well the evening after receiving Shiatsu. As far as discomforts, it is normal to feel some soreness after Shiatsu. Usually, this is because the body needs time to process the work done to it. Any discomforts you feel after a Shiatsu session should not last more than 12-24 hours.

What aftercare advice should I follow?
After a Shiatsu session, you may feel energized and you may feel sleepy. It is important to pay attention to your body after massage and rest as much as possible for the rest of the day. If possible, please refrain from strenuous or stressful activity for the rest of the day, such as exercising or working late into the day. Drink plenty of water after Shiatsu, as hydrating is important for the health of the soft tissues and let's be honest, most of us are typically dehydrated anyhow! Also, pay close attention to how you feel over the next 2-3 days. If you do have soreness after Shiatsu, check in with your body in about 2 days and note any improvements in your condition.

How many treatments should I receive? How often should I receive Shiatsu?
The frequency of Shiatsu therapy needed depends on your current state of health, how you respond to the bodywork and your personal health goals. While it can occur that you receive a single Shiatsu session and feel well again, it is much more common, especially with chronic conditions/pain, to need several Shiatsu treatments. In my experience, clients should know after 1-4 sessions if Shiatsu is helpful for them. Typically, when someone begins receiving Shiatsu, they may need to schedule their sessions closer together (once a week, once every other week) for a few sessions. As their quality of health improves, they can then space out their sessions to fit their individual "maintenance range". The most common frequency for Shiatsu treatments is once per month, but you may benefit from twice monthly, once every other month, or even just twice a year! The important part is to be proactive in your personal care and receive Shiatsu BEFORE you get to the point of dysfunction. 

Can I receive Shiatsu while pregnant?
Yes! Shiatsu is safe and very beneficial for all stages of pregnancy. Body cushions used during sessions allow for a comfortable sidelying position so your back can still be worked on, and only very minor adjustments have to be made during the session to ensure a safe and therapeutic treatment.

Are there conditions when I should NOT receive Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is safe in most instances, but if you are currently under the care of a physician for a specific health concern, please check with your doctor to make sure Shiatsu and massage is appropriate for you. Also, if you currently have a contagious illness or skin condition, please contact your therapist to discuss whether you should reschedule your appointment.

Do you provide in home services?
No, Qi Shiatsu does not provide in home services. All services at Qi Shiatsu are provided in office only, with the only exception being chair massages at businesses and public events.

Do you accept insurance?
No. Insurance is not yet commonly accepted with massage and bodywork therapies. In very specific conditions, with a doctor's recommendation and note, I am willing to write a description of services for you to submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.