Shiatsu

Sarah has experience working with horses from all disciplines from race horse to hack and is a registered practitioner of the Equine Shiatsu Association.

WHAT IS SHIATSU ?

Shiatsu is Japanese word meaning finger pressure. It is a non-invasive effective therapy that works on the whole body. Shiatsu follows the same basic principles as acupuncture. Instead of needles it uses palm and finger pressures, gentle stretches and rotations.

Energy flows through the body along pathways called meridian lines. Shiatsu stimulates energy flow and releases blockages preventing dis-ease (eventually disease) and weakness. Stimulating the body’s natural healing process.The meridian system connects and unifies the entire body. In Chinese theory, Chi and other body fluids move along the meridians, transporting nourishment and contributing strength and healing properties.

Shiatsu sets out to balance energy within the body so that optimum health can be achieved and maintained.

Shiatsu views the horse holistically, taking into account basic constitution, psychological and physical attributes, likes and dislikes etc.

SHIATSU BENEFITS

Sarah has found the following problems have responded well to her Shiatsu sessions:

· Relieve muscle spasms

· Release emotional blockages

· Strengthen muscles, tendons, joints·

· Replenish the animals physical and emotional energy

· Release endorphins necessary to increase energy or relieve pain

· Balance energy to optimize the body's natural ability to heal

· Enhance mental clarity and calm required for focus in training and performance

· Resolve injuries more readily by increasing the blood supply and removing toxins.

The horse can benefit greatly from pre and post performance sessions maintaining suppleness and reducing susceptibility to injury.

Shiatsu works with Chi (energy) it can influence all systems of the body and therefore assists a variety of different problems.

Touch is an effective tool. With practice, we are able to feel energy within ourselves and in others. All life pulsates with energy. This life force creates us, sustains us and unites us.
Horses are extremely sensitive creatures, and are very aware of touch, they can tell if we are nervous or tense, assured, calm, angry, callous or sensitive.

There are 12 primary meridians, one being considered yin, the other yang, working to keep harmony within. Ten of these primary meridians are organ related and represent the function of major organs within the body.

Shiatsu uses five element theory Fire Earth Metal Water Wood

Copy right Horse Harmony 2007