Aida Po
Bodywork is art, and believe needs always to be seen as sacred. Our body is not only home allowing us to do what we do, it is a temple of our soul, therefore deserves to be seen and cared for on all levels. The bodywork I practice is mostly Zen Shiatsu, with some inspiration of traditional Thai massage as they beautifully correlate and complement each other.
Zen Shiatsu originates from Japan, as you could guess from the name. It is closely related to the Traditional Chinese medicine energy lines and the organ system, with an addition that was made purely in Japan. Thai Yoga massage was created and is until today practiced by Buddhist monks, it is regarded above all as a spiritual practice, a meditation in movement, closely connected with the teachings of the Buddha.
My journey as a therapist began in 2016 entering to a Zen Shiatsu school in Italy, rather unexpectedly but right away adoring it at the very depth. Thai yoga massage came in addition soon after as a beautiful accompaniment bringing in a bit more playfulness and movement. Along the two, learning traditional Chinese medicine and the five elements, closely related to Tao philosophy, my vision of all there is changed greatly, becoming a practitioner therapist felt like a heavenly blessing.
The importance of touch and its quality
“… no other form of communication is as universally understood as touch…” - Randi G.Fine
And yet we do neglect this and tend to forget it so often in the fast paced life we live these days. Touch is nourishing, therapeutic and necessary for anyones wellbeing. Shiatsu is a healing art that touches and balances the body physically, energetically, and emotionally. Applying penetration of the intensity needed to energy lines and pressure on points of the body combined with the stretching of muscles and tissues as well as joint mobilisation, blockages are released and energy restored bringing natural back to the body on all levels. Recovering from injuries is greatly supported and chronic conditions may soon be relieved.
How does Shiatsu work
The session begins with a short talk with the client. It allows us both to arrive and meet where the client is, and also guides me to understanding their needs and reasons regarding the treatment. It can be both physical issues, such as injuries, new of chronic, as well as internal ones that sometimes may need more time to be revealed. The treatment takes place on the futon, a cotton mattress on the floor. By touching specific points on the body diagnosis takes place, that allows me decide that exactly the work will be, the energy lines and points that will be treated during the session.
From the viewpoint of the receiver, the session most of the times feels as a deep body meditation reaching emotional and mental layers as well. People often describe the session of an hour like sleep of several hours, even though they have not been asleep. Experiences are different and very individual however, and yet best is come free of expectation. In my experience with shiatsu people have been healed from chronic pain, released emotional stagnation, improved their sleep, just to name a few.
Frequency of receiving treatments varies to every person. With more intense conditions it can be twice or three times a week, while when it is more of a general tuning in once a month may be enough.
How to prepare
It is a hands on therapy practiced with the clothes on. No oil is used. Whenever possible, I highly recommend to take a shower before coming for the session. Bring clothes that are light, ideally of natural material, like cotton or linen: a long sleeve top without buttons and trousers, as well as a pair of socks. Wear minimal makeup, if at all. Jewellery is best to be removed during the treatment.
After the treatment
Whenever possible, take some quiet time afterwards to allow the body to process and assimilate the work done. Be generous with drinking water or herbal tea of your choice. If a meal is taken, choose something light and possibly warm. Alcohol is to be avoided, as well as physical activities left for the days after. The body will be processing the treatment until the next morning, let it rest.
Warmly,
Aida
for more Information
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Email pureselfaida@gmail.com