Shiatsu is an Oriental medical system that uses pressure along the energy pathways of the body to regulate the flow of Ki. It is the same map used in Acupuncture, applied without the use of needles. Ki, or Chi is the Life Force information and energy that enlivens and maintains our bodies. When the forces in one¹s life cause imbalance, Shiatsu provides the counterforce needed to correct and rebalance. THE BENEFITS Shiatsu maintains and enhances health and promotes recovery from illnesses by stimulating the immune system and the body's natural healing abilities, restoring proper functioning of the nervous and circulatory system, musculoskeletal structure, and internal organs. This is accomplished through the stimulation of the para-sympathetic nervous system. We all have needs and desires that when met allow us to relax and feel fulfilled in our lives. When our attempts to get these needs met are thwarted, we feel frustation, which is the gap between our desire and the ability to obtain it. This is registered in our bodies as stress, tension, misalignments, contraction, and an increase in the functioning of the ortho-sympathetic (fight or flight) nervous system, which increases adrenal activity, and puts us in a aggressive/ defensive mode of response. This drains the Chi, or energy away from the para-sympathetic mode which is responsible for maintaining balance and optimum functioning of the body's systems. Over time, they break down and physical symptoms erupt. If the underlying weaknesses are not addressed, medical intervention becomes necessary. Besides enhancing immune response and keeping the body operating at peak efficiency, Shiatsu has shown effectivenes in benefiting: Stiffness and pain, particularly back, neck, and joint pain; stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue; blood pressure; reproductive problems such as painful menstruation, menopausal symptoms and low-libido; digestive disorders; asthma and breathing problems and dizziness. Shiatsu can have a dramatic affect on one¹s spiritual journey as well. I am drawn to this work to help us to feel what it is like to have the energy in our bodies moving freely. After a treatment, we feel and think differently about things. We feel released from physical, mental and emotional blockages. This allows us to relax and access our natural state, which is a sense of well-being, and dynamic satisfaction. Life loses some of its heaviness. Over time this provides a gauge, helping us determine whether our life¹s movements are nurturing our sense of well-being, purpose, and belonging, or causing us to feel frustrated and unhappy. This clarity helps us make choices that support and nurture us, creating the optimum conditions for health.