Expanding into Summer

​If you’re like me, the incredible heat we’ve been experiencing this summer, although delightful, has been somewhat draining when trying to get through the day?  Where as some people relish the heat and come alive to it in a whole new way! This can often be because of our constitution, and in Chinese Medicine, we all have a core ‘element’ where our struggles or weaknesses can emerge.
 
Over the coming months I will be writing a bit about each of the 5 Elements we work with in Shiatsu, some typical imbalances and how they might manifest.
 
We often think – ‘Oh- It’s just the way I am’   I hate/ love the cold / heat / change of seasons etc., but actually all of this informs us as practitioners, clues as to what imbalances you may be experiencing, and we can then turn our treatment to tend to these.
 
And just to reassure you, that we are all constantly re-balancing. We are never completely ‘in balance’ but there are ways that we can tip into more difficulties when we don’t notice and tend to those imbalances.
 
Shiatsu is like an exploration of this, first through the consultation, then through the treatment itself, where we are curious to notice what’s going on – both externally and internally, which can affect each of these different areas, and manifest in upset, pain, illness or difficulty if not tended to. By stimulating particular pressure points and meridians, we can remind the body of its own natural healing ability and what needs to be released or nourished to really fulfil its potential again.
 
Sometimes we will make recommendations to help us reinforce the work we have done as practitioners, which could encompass dietary suggestions, particular movements or stretches or exercise to include into your routine, or encouragement to pursue a creative activity or meditation, all sorts of things, which again come out of an understanding of what nourishes and stimulates particular “elements” or helps moderate or stimulate ways of being where we have become excessive or stuck.
 
I am really looking forward to sharing more with you over the coming months – but for the mean time enjoy the rest of the summer !
 
And as a note – summer is a time of expansion and joy, of self - expression and love – but can also be a time of great stillness and peacefulness so follow what your body is asking for! Dance wildly, swim, float or flop out! Your body knows what it needs! 
 
And if you’re struggling with any of that – then you can come and see me in my new clinic in Southville on North Street, or in Cotham or Clifton. Just give me a call to book in!