Home
Shiatsu Therapy at Purl Wellness
Natural Healing Through Pressure, Flow & Balance
What Is Shiatsu Therapy?
Shiatsu is a therapeutic bodywork practice rooted in Japanese healing traditions, designed to restore balance and flow within the body. The word "Shiatsu" translates to "finger pressure," reflecting its core technique of applying rhythmic, focused pressure along the body's meridian pathways, channels through which vital energy, or "qi," is believed to flow.
Unlike massage that uses oils and gliding strokes, Shiatsu works through clothing, using palms, thumbs, and gentle stretches to release tension, improve circulation, and support the body's natural healing mechanisms. It addresses both physical discomfort and the underlying stress patterns that contribute to modern lifestyle challenges.
At Purl Wellness, we integrate Shiatsu with a clinical understanding of anatomy, nervous system regulation, and mind-body connection. This approach is particularly effective for individuals experiencing chronic pain, postural strain, digestive disturbances, and stress-related conditions. It's holistic care that honours both traditional wisdom and contemporary therapeutic science.
Core Principles
  • Meridian-based energy flow
  • Pressure point activation
  • Mind-body integration
  • Non-invasive touch therapy
Shiatsu for Cervical Injury & Neck Spasm
In today's screen-dominated world, cervical strain and neck spasms have become increasingly common. Hours spent hunched over laptops, smartphones, and desks create sustained muscle tension, trigger point formation, and restricted blood flow to the neck and shoulder region. This often manifests as "tech-neck," trapezius strain, and radiating discomfort that affects concentration, sleep, and overall well-being.
Shiatsu therapy addresses these conditions by releasing deep muscular holding patterns, deactivating trigger points, and improving local circulation. Through sustained pressure along the cervical spine, shoulder girdle, and upper back meridians, we help reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and calm the irritated nervous tissue that contributes to chronic spasm and pain.
Conditions Supported
  • Tech-neck and forward head posture
  • Frozen shoulder syndrome
  • Trapezius strain and tension
  • Whiplash recovery (non-acute phase)
  • Cervical radiculopathy symptoms
Treatment Expectations
Typical Course: 3–6 sessions for chronic conditions; 1–3 sessions for acute strain
Pain Reduction: Many clients report 40–60% improvement within 2 sessions
Precautions: Not suitable during acute injury phase, severe disc herniation, or active inflammation requiring medical attention

Important: If you experience numbness, weakness, or progressive neurological symptoms, please consult your physician before beginning bodywork therapy.
Muscle Tightness, Sports Strain & Recovery
Whether you're a regular gym-goer, a runner pushing personal records, or a desk worker battling postural fatigue, muscle tightness and sports-related strain can significantly impact your performance and daily comfort. Shiatsu offers a powerful solution through deep tissue pressure applied without oils, working directly through comfortable clothing to access restricted fascia and muscle fibres.
By focusing on meridian lines that correspond to commonly overworked muscle groups, Shiatsu increases local blood flow, promotes lymphatic drainage, and accelerates the removal of metabolic waste products like lactic acid. This supports faster recovery times, improved flexibility, and reduced risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Increased Circulation
Enhanced blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to fatigued tissues
Improved Flexibility
Sustained pressure releases fascial restrictions and muscle adhesions
Faster Recovery
Supports natural healing processes between training sessions

Clinical Note: Shiatsu complements physiotherapy and medical rehabilitation, it does not replace clinical treatment for acute injuries or structural conditions requiring specialist intervention.
Gut Health, Digestion & Nervous System Reset
The gut is often called our "second brain", home to the enteric nervous system, which contains more neurones than the spinal cord. This intricate network communicates constantly with our central nervous system, meaning that chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional tension directly influence digestive function. When we're stuck in sympathetic "fight-or-flight" mode, digestion slows, gut motility changes, and symptoms like bloating, constipation, and IBS-type discomfort emerge.
Shiatsu therapy works to rebalance this gut-brain axis by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the "rest-and-digest" state. Through gentle abdominal work, pressure along the back meridians connected to digestive organs, and breathwork integration, we support the body's natural capacity to restore healthy gut function.
01
Stress Recognition
Identifying chronic stress patterns affecting digestion
02
Parasympathetic Activation
Using pressure points to signal safety and relaxation
03
Gut Motility Support
Gentle abdominal work to encourage peristalsis
04
Integration & Maintenance
Building sustainable nervous system regulation habits
Clients often report reduced bloating, improved bowel regularity, and a greater sense of digestive ease within 2–4 sessions. This is therapeutic, lifestyle-connected support—not a replacement for medical investigation of serious digestive conditions.
Migraine & Chronic Headache Support
Understanding the Pattern
Chronic migraines and tension headaches often stem from nervous system overload, a state where the body remains locked in high-alert mode due to stress, hormonal fluctuations, poor sleep, or sustained muscular tension. The neck, scalp, and upper spine become reservoirs of held tension, contributing to pain cycles that conventional pain relief may only temporarily mask.
Shiatsu addresses these patterns by releasing muscular holding along the cervical spine, occipital region, and meridian pathways connected to the head. By calming sympathetic nervous system activation and encouraging parasympathetic regulation, we create conditions for the body to down-regulate pain signals naturally.
What Shiatsu Can Offer
  • Reduction in headache frequency and intensity
  • Release of cervical and scalp muscular tension
  • Improved sleep quality and stress resilience
  • Support for hormonal and stress-related triggers
Realistic Expectations
Shiatsu is not a miracle cure, it's supportive management. Many clients experience significant relief within 3–5 sessions, but results vary based on chronicity, trigger complexity, and overall lifestyle factors.

When to Seek Medical Evaluation: If you experience sudden severe headaches, vision changes, neurological symptoms, or headaches that worsen progressively, please consult a neurologist or physician before beginning bodywork therapy.
Libido, Energy Flow & Hormonal Balance
Low libido and diminished sexual vitality are often symptoms of deeper patterns, chronic stress, emotional burnout, hormonal fluctuations, and prolonged disconnection from the body's natural rhythms. When we spend extended periods in sympathetic overdrive, the body prioritises survival over reproductive and creative functions. This affects both men and women, manifesting as fatigue, reduced desire, and a general sense of "flatness."
Shiatsu supports the restoration of balanced energy flow by improving circulation to the pelvic region, activating parasympathetic nervous system responses, and helping clients reconnect with body awareness and sensation. Through work along the kidney, liver, and spleen meridians, channels traditionally associated with vitality and reproductive health in Eastern medicine, we create space for the body to recalibrate its natural hormonal and energetic rhythms.
Circulation & Vitality
Enhanced blood flow supports healthy tissue function and hormonal delivery
Nervous System Balance
Shifting from stress mode to rest-and-regenerate state
Body Reconnection
Rebuilding awareness and comfort within your own embodied experience
This is supportive, sensitive work, there are no guarantees or quick fixes. Shiatsu offers a pathway to greater body trust, relaxation, and the conditions within which natural desire and vitality can re-emerge. It's suitable for both men and women seeking holistic support for stress-related intimacy concerns.
What to Expect in a Shiatsu Session
Session Structure
Duration: 60 minutes (initial consultation may take 75 minutes)
Clothing: You remain fully clothed in comfortable, loose-fitting attire, no oils or lotions are used
Environment: Sessions take place on a comfortable mat on the floor, allowing for full-body access and integrative stretches
Technique: I use palms, thumbs, and gentle body weight to apply sustained pressure along meridian pathways, combined with passive stretches and joint mobilisations
1
During the Session
You may feel deep pressure, warmth, and occasional tenderness at blocked points. Breathing awareness is encouraged throughout.
2
Immediate After-Effects
Most clients feel deeply relaxed, grounded, and sometimes sleepy. Mild muscle soreness is normal for 24–48 hours.
3
Post-Session Care
Hydration is essential. Drink plenty of water, avoid intense physical activity for the rest of the day, and allow time for integration.
The therapeutic effects often deepen over the following 48–72 hours as your nervous system integrates the session. This is normal and reflects the body's natural healing response.
Who Should Avoid Shiatsu?
While Shiatsu is a safe and effective therapy for many conditions, there are important contraindications and precautions to consider. Responsible practice requires clear communication about your health history and current symptoms. The following situations require either avoidance of Shiatsu or consultation with both your therapist and physician before proceeding.
Acute Injury or Inflammation
Recent trauma, fractures, sprains, or active inflammation require medical clearance before bodywork
Open Wounds or Skin Infections
Any broken skin, rashes, or contagious conditions must be avoided to prevent complications
Fever or Active Infection
When the body is fighting infection, rest is essential, bodywork can overburden the immune system
High-Risk Pregnancy
Certain pressure points are contraindicated during pregnancy, always inform your therapist if you are or may be pregnant
Severe Osteoporosis
Brittle bones require modified pressure techniques, discuss your bone health openly
Undiagnosed Symptoms
If you have unexplained pain, neurological changes, or progressive symptoms, seek medical evaluation first

Your Safety Matters: Always consult your therapist about any health concerns, medications, or medical conditions before your first session. Open communication ensures safe, effective, and personalised care.
Book a Shiatsu Session at Purl Wellness
Embark on your journey towards holistic healing and balanced well-being with Shiatsu therapy at Purl Wellness. Under the guidance of Dr. Vivek S., Holistic Healthcare Practitioner, Psychotherapist & Shiatsu Therapist, you'll receive clinically informed, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs.
Session Options: Individual 60-minute sessions available | Outcomes typically observed within 1–3 sessions depending on condition chronicity and individual response.
Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, digestive disturbances, stress-related conditions, or simply wish to reconnect with your body's innate healing capacity, Shiatsu offers a gentle, powerful pathway to restoration.
Why Choose Purl Wellness?
  • Integrative mind-body approach
  • Clinically trained, experienced therapist
  • Safe, professional, and nurturing environment
  • Personalised care plans based on your goals
Take the first step towards natural healing. Your body knows how to heal—sometimes it just needs the right support to remember.