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Shiatsu
A Healthy Balance By Lyn Mettler
The pressure used during the session can range from strong to light, but should never hurt, though the client may feel an occasional tenderness on points that are in need of treatment. After the session, the practitioner may discuss any discoveries with the client.
"The next day one should feel refreshed and better than before," says Thompson.
Sessions typically last from 30 to 90 minutes and can cost anywhere from $20 for a student practitioner to $80 for a more experienced practitioner.
To find a Shiatsu practitioner near you, ask for recommendations from friends, coworkers or physicians. You can also log on to the Web site for the American Organization for Body Work Therapies of Asia, an organization that accredits schools and teachers, at www.aobta.org, and click on Member Database. There you can search for teachers by city, state, zip code and more. Look for a practitioner with at least three years experience if they aren't someone with whom you are familiar. But most importantly, you should feel comfortable with whomever you choose. "As with any consultant, it's important that you feel at ease and are able to trust them," advises Thompson. "You may prefer working with a man or with a woman. Or you may just have an instinctive feeling about whether someone seems 'right' or not. It's important not to diminish the validity of these preferences."
Before making any long-term commitments, first try talking with a prospective practitioner on the phone or having a "try-out" first session.
You also can practice Shiatsu on yourself on parts of the body that are easily reachable. Basic Shiatsu is easy to learn and practicing on yourself can bring tremendous benefits. "People who have also learned some simple Shiatsu, with the self-understanding that this brings, frequently find that they now feel able to take charge of their own health as well as use the techniques to benefit others," says Thompson.