Mary McHugh
I am a registered Shiatsu practitioner with the Shiatsu Society of Ireland in the Oranmore, Galway area and have been practising since 2006. Prior to training in Shiatsu I was a teacher, but was drawn to this therapy due to the simplicity of its core philosophy and because I believe in the importance of balance and touch for health. I like the fact that Shiatsu focusses on prevention of illness, and on the responsibility of the person themself to take control of their own wellbeing, in so much as they can.
contact
086 807 9813
links
- Shiatsu Society Ireland
- European Shiatsu Federation - Research findings on the efficacy of Shiatsu can be found here.
- WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023
what is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a traditional form of therapy originating in Japan and translates to ‘finger pressure’. Like Acupuncture Shiatsu has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine, incorporating forms of physical therapy such as gentle stretching, pressure and manipulation of the joints. It aims to release tension and balance, restore and maintain the body’s own energy, Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing, grounding and effective treatment for many conditions, especially musculo-skeletal problems such as back and neck pain.
As part of a treatment I might use the herb Moxa (artemisa vulgaris) which is heated and applied near the body to warm and invigorate the flow of energy. It is used to treat cold patterns in arthritis and joint pain for example, common in our damp climate. I also use Cupping where cups are suctioned on to the body or gently moved along energy channels to create a vacuum which draws the skin and superficial muscle up. This helps to stimulate blood circulation and flow of energy and encourages toxins to be drawn out of the body. Respiratory ailments and general congestion can be helped here.
Treatment takes place on a futon at floor level with the receiver fully clothed. Following the treatment simple recommendations may be made on moderate stretches and changes to lifestyle and diet to support the treatment. A treatment session lasts approximately one hour and ten minutes.