Frequently Asked Questions

I don't have a musculoskeletal or any other health condition. Other than relaxation, how will I benefit from shiatsu?
Shiatsu is preventative medicine. Although Shiatsu has a profound effect on many ailments, even those with no current illness or conditions benefit tremendously from regular treatments.

Since everyone has certain organs which are (due to lifestyle or heredity) weaker than others, Shiatsu will build Qi and the strength of weaker organs.

At the beginning of a full treatment, the therapist will palpate your internal organs on your abdomen, also known as "Hara diagnosis". An experienced therapist will be able to tell which organs are weaker. Usually the patient will feel discomfort in the imbalanced organ.

• Healthy individuals benefit by receiving treatment as it strengthens the immune system, increases fluidity in the joints and intervetribal spaces. It also improves internal organ functioning and decreases stress.

How is shiatsu different from regular (Swedish) massage?
During a shiatsu massage, loose comfortable clothing is worn, where as during a Swedish massage, clients disrobe.

No oils or lotions are rubbed on the body. Pressure is more penetrative but less intrusive. The most distinctive difference is the application of the pressure techniques used.

In Shiatsu, stationary pressure is applied instead of rubbing. Elbows and thumbs ease their way into knots and sore areas and stay there to achieve a relaxation response.

Treatments are based on not only western medicine, as in a regular massage, but also Chinese medicine. Stretching out tight joints is also performed. Clients describe a more loose and lighter feeling in their spine and bodies in comparison to Swedish massage.

Does Shiatsu Hurt?
In choosing Lotus Shiatsu & Acupuncture, you are assured that massage pressure will be as firm or as gentle as you are comfortable with. It will not be painful. There are several styles of Shiatsu and thousands of therapists. Each style and therapist's treatment is unique. Clients describe Lotus Shiatsu & Acupuncture treatments as firm, grounded, and nurturing.

I'm scared of needles. Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture should not hurt. Unlike hypodermic needles you may have experienced at your doctor's office which are hollow, thicker and used to extract blood. The needles used are solid and super fine and do not extract blood. You will feel the needle gently tapped in. Then to activate the healing function of the point, we will gently stimulate the needle by using micro movements. When needle stimulation occurs, it is often described as a numbing, mild throbbing, swirling or mild bee sting sensation. Once you feel this sensation, you can let the therapist know you feel the stimulation and we will leave the needle alone to peacefully perform it's function

Do I have to be open to receiving Acupuncture for Clinical Treatments?
No, you do not have to receive any other service we offer during your treatment (Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Moxabustion or Cupping Therapy). Patients are always informed on what type of treatment modalities would benefit them the most. Patients are never pressure into any type of service. Clinical Acupuncture and Shiatsu are often combined into one treatment however at a patients request; we can perform either shiatsu or acupuncture on it's own.

How often Do I need to come for Clinical Acupuncture and Shiatsu treatments?
For Clinical Acupuncture and Shiatsu, treatment frequency is dependent on several factors. These include how long you have had the problem, patient's age and overall health, severity of the issue and nature of the problem.

The more severe and longer you have had a problem will increase the amount of treatments you will need. Treatment frequency will always be discussed and relate to your goals. Some clients have been coming on a weekly basis for many years to reduce stress, maximize health and prevent disease. Other clients come on a semi regular basis (bi monthly/monthly or a few times a year). The body craves routine so it is suggested to keep visits at regular intervals. Patients are recommended on the amount of treatments they need and how often they should come however beyond that, clients are never pressured into any course of treatment. Financial and Time constraints are always considered when planning treatment frequency.

Why do I have to commit to ten Cosmetic Acupuncture Sessions?
The practice of Facial Rejuvenation has a slower cumulative effect. In order to see results, this is the minimum amount of treatment necessary for noticeable results. Treatments also need to be in close proximity to each other and either weekly or bi-weekly. After the initial course of treatments, we can space out maintenance sessions to once a month and eventually once a season.

What is the theory behind Shiatsu and Acupuncture?

Shiatsu Explained from a Chinese Medical Perspective
The restorative pressure from a shiatsu massage and the Acupuncture needles both stimulate the circulation of Blood and Qi. Qi is referred to as a "vital substance" in Chinese Medicine that can be thought of like oxygen. It is comparable to how much daily energy we have. Through posture, overwork, repetitive strain, negative emotions, poor diet and injury, our blood and Qi can stop flowing. This blockage referred to as "stagnation" is one of the causes of pain and tension in the body.

Through shiatsu pressure and needling, our internal organs are strengthened and Qi blockages are released. Illness and pain are usually related to an imbalance of one of our organs such as the liver, spleen, lungs etc. Both therapies treat the meridians (energy pathways related to a corresponding organ). They also stimulated the Acupuncture points along these meridians which serve to treat the imbalanced organ. In addition to addressing patient's symptoms, we also explain and treat the root of your health problems in from a Chinese Medical perspective.

From a Western Medical Perspective
Both treatments benefit all of the body's systems including the musculoskeletal, circulatory and respiratory system. Treatments counteract stress and disease by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Only when our PNS is engaged and we are in a relaxed state are our bodies healing mechanisms activated. Shiatsu naturally induces our body into this relaxed state while the needles trigger various curative functions.

Scientific research shows that acupuncture may work by releasing endogenous endorphins which provide pain killing effects. Acupuncture also has been proven to strengthen the immune system by increasing the amount anti-inflammatory cells. It is well documented that having a weak immune system leaves us susceptible to stress and disease. Acupuncture and Shiatsu are excellent methods for boosting immunity.