Shiatsu is Eastern remedial massage therapy that improves health & wellbeing
“The holistic nature of shiatsu practice treats mind, body and spirit as one, an interconnected whole, together with the environment in which they find themselves.” Dr Andrew Long
Shiatsu: therapeutic acupressure
Shiatsu is a relaxing and invigorating way to reconnect with your body.
Derived from the Japanese words shi (finger) & atsu (pressure)
It is therapeutic acupressure/massage that utilises acu-points, energy channels (meridian therapy) and stretches to stimulate the circulation of energy throughout the body.
Shiatsu takes a holistic approach to treating symptoms as well as root causes.
Shiatsu uses palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and sometimes feet to work on various parts of the body with firm, direct pressure and/or gentle holding pressure.
By working on the muscles and more deeply on the internal organs, nervous system, lymph and meridians, shiatsu harmonises the body & mind to promote healing and renewed sense of wellbeing. This approach utilizes the interstitium*
Shiatsu can
promote relaxation, de-stress and release tension caused by our busy lifestyles. It can support the management of many common condition/symptoms including
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Emotional wellbeing: Stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma
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Pain & inflammation: Back, neck, shoulder, muscular, acute injuries, arthritis
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Headaches and migraines
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Poor circulation
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Low energy
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Gut & digestive health
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Sleep health
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Menstrual health
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Respiratory health: allergies, asthma, eczema, psorisis
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General health maintenance & preventative health care
It is a safe, non-invasive and adaptable treatment for the whole family including children, the elderly and people with disabilities or injuries.
Your session includes
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an initial consultation where your health history and concerns are discussed
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TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) diagnostic observation of pulses and structural body alignment to determine best approach for your individualised treatment
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therapeutic treatment (massage)
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you may also have cupping, moxibustion, acu-studs or earseeds depending on needs
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breathing exercises, stretches, strengthening exercises, dietary and lifestyle advice
You are treated fully clothed lying on a futon on the floor so it’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Each practitioner works differently, don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback as it’s important that you feel comfortable throughout the treatment.
Treatment frequency is
one of the most common questions clients ask and the answer really depends on you,
your condition and circumstances at the time.
However, with many years of experience working with clients, a basic rule is:
Weekly or fortnightly treatments for a minimum of 3 sessions is highly beneficial to shift poor energy patterns followed by fortnightly to monthly maintenance sessions.
*Health fund rebates: please check with your health fund
Emma Strapps
Dip. Shiatsu and Oriental Therapies, MA
Emma is a highly experienced STAA (Shiatsu Therapy Association of Australia) registered practitioner of over 19 years.
Emma holds a Diploma in Shiatsu & Oriental Therapies from The Australian Shiatsu College, Melbourne (2002).
Emma’s shiatsu practice is highly attuned to her clients needs, drawing on many years experience and knowledge of dance, shiatsu, yoga, tai chi, meditation and food therapy.
Integral to her practice are
empathy
professionalism
quality of care
She is committed to a holistic and sustainable treatment approach.
Emma specialises in
pain & inflammation
stress & mental health
children
the elderly
general health
Emma is particularly interested in how stress manifests in our bodies and ways of shifting unhelpful stress response patterns.
Emma has previously been a member of the STAA National Council, holding the position of Director of Research when she initiated a research strategy and the first shiatsu research project conducted, published and presented in Australia. Emma regularly contributes to STAA's publication, Pointers.
Emma holds professional insurance, current certificate in Senior First Aid & Working with Vulnerable people card (ACT)
Emma is also a professional choreographer, performer, movement director and dance teacher with a long held interest in understanding how the human body functions at an optimal level.
Emma completed a Masters of Arts (Choreography), Victorian College of the Arts/Melbourne University (2011) with First Class Honors. This research connected her shiatsu and dance.
Emma is co-founder of Social Repair Service (SRS) with her partner, Adam Broinowski. SRS conduct workshops, research and creative projects www.socialrepairservice.com.au
Emma conducts shiatsu and movement workshops in Australia and internationally.
emmastrapps@gmail.com
0421640492
Ambrosia Holistic Health
Cook Shops, Lyttleton Cres
COOK ACT 2614
updated 2021 by Emma Strapps Shiatsu