What is Health?

 "Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."


This is the definition of health by the World Health Organisation. 

I love this definition because it opens up so much more, and considers the person as a whole as we do in shiatsu, not just a set of symptoms, a physical discomfort or dis-ease. In Shiatsu we consider that the whole landscape of a person's life has influence on their wellbeing, and that our emotional, spiritual and mental state is just as important and has bearing on our physical state.  Yet so often my clients are surprised by this, and have had no concept that their physical difficulties may be connected to or influenced by their emotional or mental state, and that in engaging in the emotional they can gain such peace, ease and transformation.

By acknowledging our emotions, honouring them and owning them in a safe and supportive environment, our body does not have to do all the work for us. How many times have you felt your stomach contract, your shoulders tense or your jaw lock up when you've felt angry or upset by something?  

Our bodies over time begin to respond and call out for attention, and when we do not listen, persist, until we are forced off work with stress, or an illness occurs and we have to stop and take stock (or not!) 

In Shiatsu we honour all of a person, it is not just for times of physical discomfort or dis-ease. By having Shiatsu at times of difficulty, stress or upset, at times of change or transition; Health and Wellbeing in its broadest sense can be supported and maintained and inner resources and resiliance reinforced. Supporting you mentally, emotionally, and socially to maintain a physical state of peace, freedom and good health. 

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