“Shiatsu” means “thumb pressure” in Japanese. The shiatsu therapist uses her thumbs to work along the meridians in the body, locating and releasing blocked chi, thereby allowing it to flow smoothly so the body can start to heal. The patient feels a lessening of symptoms and a greater sense of peace and well-being. Headaches, back and neck pain, fatigue, and depression are all common conditions that respond well to shiatsu.
Flow Therapy
For a lot of us, living in these times is very stressful. Work stress, financial stress, home and family stress often create fear and discord in our lives. At times we can even lose a sense of who we are and what we are meant to be doing. Joy and peace can slip away. I have come to understand that when this happens, we lose a vital connection to our hearts, often feeling like we are lost or drifting.
In the last few years, my shiatsu and energy psychology work has evolved into an exciting new place, still based in Chinese medicine but using less physical pressure. I call it Flow, because that is what both the patient and I feel. Flow involves gently holding various parts of the body, acupuncture points, neurolympathic and/or neurovascular points, and energetically communicating at a deep level with the body. Working with the chakras and the energetic flow between them is also part of this experience. When deep flow is re-established, one usually feels it, often as movement or rhythmic pulsations within the body and a deep sense of peace and reconnection to themselves. Consequently there is more clarity and physical pain is often substantially lessened.
EDxTM
Energy Psychology is based on the premise that not only are our bodies comprised of energy, but so are our thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Many of these beliefs may be negative and self-defeating. The Energy Psychologist sees them as simple blockages in our energy fields that can be removed.
EDxTM (Energy Diagnostic and Treatment Methods, a methodology developed by Dr. Fred Gallo) uses Manual Muscle Testing to determine exactly which meridians are involved in a problem that involves thought fields. The relevant points on the meridians are gently tapped to collapse the negative thought field and relieve the distress associated with the problem.
At the end of a treatment, the patient is given a list of the treatment points which can be used at home if needed. This puts power back into the patient’s hands by giving them tools to help themselves.
Practical Information
Sessions are 60 or 90 minutes and any of the 3 modalities can be combined. 60 minute sessions are $85.00, 90 minute sessions are $100.00. For shiatsu, a detailed medical history form is filled out and discussed together in your first session. There is generally some talking involved as we get to know each other, but the treatment can be talkative or silent, whatever the patient feels he or she needs.
Shiatsu Testimonials
I am fortunate to have been receiving regular shiatsu treatments from Ann for over 17 years. She is a skilled and dedicated therapist with knowledge of a broad range of treatment approaches rooted in holistic healing. Equally important, Ann is a kind, caring therapist who is truly interested in her patients and their well-being. Over the years Ann’s treatments have relieved me from stiffness and pain due to aging as well as stress incurred from my role as a fulltime caregiver. Following treatments with Ann I experience an overall sense of relaxation and an improved flow of energy. I leave her clinic feeling renewed in both mind and body.Beatrice K.
For several years now I have been receiving non-invasive Shiatsu therapy with Ann. These repeated gentle finger pressure treatments have a cumulative effect which I find stimulates my body’s ability to heal itself from the ongoing symptoms of the chronic medical issues I face on a day-to-day basis.
Ann has been able to improve major digestive, renal and elimination organ functions, reduce leg tension and spasms as well as migraine headaches, back, neck and muscle tension all at the same time. Ann is a keen and discreet listener which also helps reduce anxiety levels through talking.
After treatment I experience relief from discomforts, greater flexibility as well as a calmer mood and clearer mind. I also find that deep, restful sleep comes more easily for several nights.Sandra P.
I have been a client of Ann Crawford for shiatsu therapy since 1988. I initially found shiatsu to be a tremendous relief from severe chronic muscle and joint pain following a serious illness. Once that remitted, I continued to have regular treatments to maintain these improvements but also because shiatsu provides me with relief from stress, increased energy, regulation of sleep and an overall enhancement of feelings of wellbeing. It is a treatment which is both relaxing and energizing. She is an extremely skilled therapist and practices a client-centred approach, adjusting treatment to my needs and always enquiring whether it is comfortable and helpful. She is very dedicated to her clients and profession.Christine D.
Testimonial for Flow Therapy
Ann’s newest therapy options, which include more intensive energy work, are very powerful. I recently suffered a nasty fall and had much pain as a result. I immediately booked an appointment and came away with no further symptoms and a feeling of great relief and wellness.
I highly recommend Ann for her ability to listen, her empathy, kindness, perception, intuition and ease. Her shiatsu skills are excellent, as she always finds the blocks to soften and remove them. Her present way of working is even better – a strong combination of massage and energy healing that is immensely natural and rejuvenating. I come away with a welcome sense of clarity and calmness. My body feels loose and comfortable, and my mind is optimistic and energized.Maggie V.