Shiatsu - Richard Bligh
Shiatsu uses one of the oldest forms of medicine – healing through touch. Pronounced ‘she-at-soo’, it is a natural healing therapy which has its origins in Oriental medical theory and techniques dating back many centuries. The word shiatsu means “thumb pressure” because the main technique involves sustained pressure delivered by thumb, palms, elbows or knees from practitioner to receiver. The effect is like an intensely calming massage.
Combined with stretching and other techniques, shiatsu aims to balance the essential energy (the ‘ki’) of the body. The shiatsu practitioner works on the body, releasing tense, stagnant areas and strengthening the weaker parts of the body.
Acupressure delivered in the grounded and supportive style of Shiatsu can achieve remarkable results for many complaints including anxiety, back and neck pain, headaches and digestive problems.
What happens during a Shiatsu treatment?
Before the treatment, the client will be asked about his or her general health and medical history including details about diet, exercise and sleeping patterns.
Richard treats the whole body during the session, as well as focusing on specific problem areas. Diagnosis can be made by feeling a client’s pulse, the points on the back, palpitation of the hara (abdomen) or by observing the face, tongue or posture.
Treatment is usually conducted on a cotton futon on the floor with the use of bolsters and cushions for extra support and comfort. If required, the treatment can be adapted to suit the needs of the client by utilising either a massage table or chair.
No body oils are used and the client remains fully clothed. The client wears loose, comfortable clothes that will be flexible to movement and stretching.
An initial consultation will last about one and half hours; treatments thereafter are usually between one and one and a quarter hours. Following a shiatsu treatment, clients generally feel more balanced, relaxed and enjoy a sense of calmness.
Health Benefits of Shiatsu:
Acupressure delivered in the grounded and supportive style of shiatsu can achieve remarkable results in the following areas:
Allergies
Anxiety
Asthma
Back, neck and shoulder pain
Constipation
Depression
Digestive problems
Fatigue
Headaches and migraines
Insomnia
Menstrual issues
Sciatica
Stress
Health Fund Rebates:
Health fund rebates are available via well-known private health funds.
Relaxation Massage - Laurie Jane Hilder-Quach & Allison Pasznyk
Relaxation massage can be part of a healthy life plan by balancing the body and mind, by enhancing wellbeing and quality of life. Massage increases the body’s circulation, eliminates toxins, improves body movement and relives aches and pains. Clients do not have to be in pain to benefit from a relaxation massage, which is suitable for the very young to the elderly.
As well as improving general health, massage can have a profound effect on our emotional and mental wellbeing. It allows the body and the mind to reach a deep sense of relaxation, restoring the body to homeostasis, physical balance and equilibrium.
Remedial Massage - Allison Pasznyk & Laurie Jane Hilder-Quach
With busy lifestyles and hectic carers, many of us hold stress and tension within our body. This can escalate to acute or chronic conditions if not treated and can become very painful, impacting on the client’s quality of life.
Whether it is a build up of tension, aches and pains or a soft tissue injury, massage can assist the body to heal. The use of one or more techniques may be used such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, glass or vacuum cupping, myofascial release or stretching.
Myofascial Release - Allison Pasznyk & Laurie Jane Hilder-Quach
This is a deep tissue technique that works on the myofascia, which is the flexible network of tissue that surrounds, cushions and supports the muscles. The particular tissue is an underlying determinant of movement and quality of mood, alertness and general wellbeing.
The technique releases blockages, scarring or adhesions in the myofascia and has much to offer those with chronic problems or who have not responded to other interventions. When combined with other therapies, this manipulation of the myofascia is central to lasting therapeutic interventions.
Pregnancy Massage- Laurie Jane Hilder-Quach & Allison Pasznyk
During this special period, many women suffer from aches, pains, and discomfort. The change in posture and the weight from the growing baby can place a lot of pressure on the woman’s body. Other women may feel tired, stressed or anxious with the arrival of their new baby. Massage can assist with the discomfort, sooth tight and tense muscles, and help relax and prepare the expected mother for her new arrival.
Pregnancy massage is a safe treatment when performed by a qualified therapist. Massage can be performed throughout the entire pregnancy. During the first trimester, Laurie does require a letter from the client’s doctor approving the massage before commencing any treatment. Every client is individually evaluated, in consultation with her doctor, wherever appropriate, to ensure the client receives the safest and appropriate treatment to suit her specific needs.
Some women suffer from fluid retention during and after their pregnancy, this may be caused by the baby placing pressure on the lymph system, restricting circulation. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) is a gentile massage that can assist in reducing the fluid build-up.
Infant Massage - Laurie Jane Hilder-Quach
Laurie is both a qualified massage therapist and qualified Infant Massage Instructor. Infant massage courses are run by demand, or on a one on one basis, teaching and giving parents or carers confidence to massage their child. During the course, some of the topics covered are massage strokes, appropriate oils to use, the best time to massage, and adopting massage strokes to suit the growing child. If a child is in need of a professional massage treatment, Laurie is able to assess and treat the child.
Massage is best applied by a parent or carer as the child will feel most relaxed and comfortable with them. This can be a wonderful opportunity for both parents to bond with their child. Whether it be a father who might feel left out, or a working mother, massage can be a special and intimate time shared with their child.
Benefits of Infant Massage:
- relief of sinus and chest congestion
- improve quality of sleep
- strengthens the immune system
- increases circulation
- increases body awareness
- assist with reflux and colic
- aids and stimulates digestion
- assists with constipation and painful gas
- can help mothers experiencing mild postnatal depression
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): - Laurie Jane Hilder-Quach & Allison Pasznyk
This is a gentle manual, non-oil therapy that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system. The lymphatic system circulates the fluid around the body; it is responsible for the removal of toxins and waste product and plays an important role in the body’s immune function.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage can be an effective aid in treating a range of conditions such as fluid retention, sinus disorders, pre and post surgery recovery, rheumatism, bronchitis and asthma. It is also a useful supplementary therapy for conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is highly effective in treating both primary and secondary lymphoedema by removing or preventing lymphatic congestion. Treatment may involve MLD massage, compression bandaging, and advice on exercise and new lifestyle changes to manage the condition.