This article is from page 31 of the 2008-09-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 31 JPG
AS part of European Shiatsu Week which runs until next Sunday, the East Clare Co-op in Scariff is host- ing a special local event for people to try out Shiatsu, a traditional form of Japanese massage.
According to the World Health Or- ganisation, Japanese people topped the world table for longevity with a life expectancy of 86 amongst the women and 79 amongst the men. Contributing to these statistics is the integral role played in society by Shi-
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There will be an opportunity for people to enjoy taster sessions of the massage that works with the energy pathways of the body to re-establish balance and was a favourite of Mu- hammad Ali and Marilyn Monroe.
Simply drop by the Co-Op in Scar- iff between 9am and 5pm and experi- ence the many health benefits of Shi- atsu for yourself at the hands of local practitioner Joseph Kennedy.
A major study conducted by the University of Leeds found that 85 per cent of shiatsu clients reported a sig-
nificant reduction in tension, stress and problems with muscles, joints or body structure, including back pain and posture. It has also been found to be effective in the treatment of a va- riety of asthma, insomnia, digestive problems, migraine, joint pain and is becoming an increasingly popular natural pain relief tool in labour. Often described as ‘acupuncture without needles’, Shiatsu is a tra- ditional hands-on therapy. With its origins in Traditional Chinese Med1- cine dating back 2,000 years, Shiatsu uses the same energy channels of the
body or “meridians” as those used in acupuncture.
Aimed at rebalancing the body’s energy system, the therapist uses fingers, thumbs, palms, elbows, forearms and feet to specific points (called tsubos). In addition they gently stretch and pull the client to stimulate their flow of energy (ki) and innate ability to heal.
Different to more conventional massage in that there is no oily kneading of muscles — Shiatsu clients lie in loose clothing on a padded mat or futon on the floor.