Originated in Japan, Shiatsu is beyond massage, it is a complete healing system for physical and emotional body. Done in comfortable clothes on a futon mattress, Shiatsu is an evolving form of bodywork, a deep treatment, yet very gentle and soothing, based on traditional Chinese medicine and Western physiology. Shiatsu uses pressure points and meridians (similar to acupuncture), using a variety of techniques to release tension in the body and improve and harmonize the energy flow. These include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs and fingers on the meridian lines and specific pressure points, or simply following the resonance of the energy by touching lightly.

By applying sensitive, mindful touch, the Shiatsu giver affects the functioning of the nervous system promoting a sense of deep relaxation and wellbeing. Regular sessions calm anxiety, relax the body, improve sleep and concentration, reduce pain and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal. I always recommend a course of at least 6 sessions, depending on condition may be longer. 

In my work, I care for body, mind, emotion and energy, combining the psychological and somatic awareness of the trauma field, with the ancient wisdom of Eastern medicine. 

My Shiatsu is gentle and sensitive and each session is unique. I use pressure points but without causing pain, my touch is gentle, deep and clients report feeling deeply relaxed. 

I mostly work with highly sensitive people. 

For people who like very hard pressure you better find a different style of shiatsu / other therapist.

In my sessions, to create a safe space where you can feel safe to be you as you are, with whatever comes up, is essential. Everything that happens in the room is confidential.

I also practice other healing arts (such as Reiki and Sound healing with tuning forks) that I may integrate in the session when needed and appropriate to make the healing more effective. 

In this blog post I take you on a little journey through the history of Shiatsu and my story and approach to it. 

You will be fully dressed in comfortable clothes and often covered with a thin blanket or a Japanese cotton cloth. Traditionally practised on a futon at floor level, Shiatsu can also be received on a treatment table or special ergonomic chair.

A typical Shiatsu treatment may start on the neck and back, using several techniques to disperse tension, such as slow pressure, co-ordinated with breathing, along meridians and points. We also treat the legs, feet, head, face, arms and the hara (belly). However depending on your condition and needs the treatment may be different. It is always unique, as I remain present with what arises, physically and energetically.

With 20 years of experience as a Shiatsu practitioner, I am now offering Shiatsu sessions that are trauma-informed. 

Trauma is energy that was not allowed to be expressed safely. 

In the work I do I work somatically - through the body - with gentleness, compassion and care. It is not not talking therapy and we do not need to go into the trauma story. This means that I am aware of the trauma symptoms and can help you identify, release stuck emotions, and find tools and practices to help you navigate trauma reactions and symptoms, and ultimately empower you to connect with your Soul and Essence, your Wholeness. 

I think that everyone carries trauma within, although some might not be aware of it. We live in a traumatized world that has became normalized, what Gabor Maté calls 'The Myth of normal'. 

This is an emergent work that I have been develloping in response to the personal, ancestral and collective trauma that I find is necessary to be healed and integrated, for Humanity to advance and consciousness to rise. 

In my sessions, in addition to Shiatsu techniques such as the use of pressure points, I often use a wide range of techniques integrated intuitively to respond to your needs, each session is unique. I may use a combination of specific pressure points, somatic trauma healing practices, breath work, energy work, sound healing with tuning forks and meditation. 

I have worked with people with attachment trauma, who are looking for better ways to relate. Others are on a journey of self-discovery, or on a spiritual journey and need guidance and support to release old patterns. I worked with survivors of rape, car crash, and other deep wounds caused by sudden events creating overwhelming pain, grief and fragmentation. Some people may be experiencing high stress without knowing the origin of the issue or they might be going through a life transition such as a divorce, the loss of a loved one or a particular stressful time at work and need support to unwind and access inner peace. Many times, people come first for a physical pain and are surprised to discover the emotional layers and depth that lay under the surface... 

Claudia is a qualified Shiatsu and Jikiden Reiki practitioner insured by Balens. She is a member of the Complementary Therapists Association (CThA) and the Jikiden Reiki UK Association (JRUKA). Originally from Portugal, she is based in London.

She is a sensitive and experienced Shiatsu practitioner who has offered Shiatsu in Lisbon, London and Brighton  (since 2003) as well as worldwide treatments at a distance during the pandemic. Claudia also works in a walk-in in Central London treating hundreds of people each month, giving her an extensive experience with a wide range of clients. A student of somatic trauma expert Thomas Hübl and eco-psychologist Bill Plotkin (Soulcraft, Wild mind), Claudia's brings a unique approach to her treatments, which are trauma-informed, holistic and intuitive - she treats the whole being. Claudia practices meditation and chi gong and she is very connected with Nature; that comes through her healing, which grounds you to the Earth and roots you deep into your core while relaxing deeply. Claudia has a calming energy and always takes time to attune to her clients, making each session unique and profound. She is dedicated in helping people reconnect with their own essence.

Read more about Claudia's work...