Shiatsu's Strokes Of Success At Derby
7 September 2005
Mark Pullinger, Project Manager Chalex Research
A touch of Hollywood glamour has arrived at the University of Derby with news that it boasts a unique degree course in a healing art made fashionable by stars such as Jennifer Aniston.
The former Friends star is reputed to have regular Shiatsu massages which aid a wide range of conditions such as back pain, whiplash injuries, sports injuries, depression and digestive problems.
The University of Derby has the only Shiatsu pathway degree programme in the UK, with its successful BA Hons in Complementary Therapies graduates going on to form their own practices and may include work in health clubs.
Now Derby hopes news that the celebrities believe and invest in the Japanese treatment, will encourage prospective students to find out more about its degree as a handful of places are still available on this academic year's course.
Martyn Parker-Eames, Programme Leader in the University of Derby's Unit of Therapeutic Arts and Complementary Medicine, said: "Shiatsu is a deeply relaxing experience and regular Shiatsu sessions help to prevent the build up of stress in our daily lives.
"The fact that big-name celebrities are reported to use such therapies can only be useful in raising the profile of this healing art."
The philosophy underlying Shiatsu is that vital energy (known as Ki in Japanese) flows throughout the body in a series of channels called meridians. For many different reasons Ki can stop flowing freely and this then produces a symptom.
Shiatsu practitioners consider the client's state of health, the symptoms he or she are experiencing and will use a variety of techniques to improve their energy flow. These may include gentle holding, pressing with palms, thumbs, fingers, elbows, knees and feet on the meridians and, when appropriate, more dynamic rotations and stretches.
As the quality of Ki changes, the symptoms associated with a lack of flow will gradually improve.
One of Derby's Shiatsu practitioners is Dr Mike Craske, who practices the therapy session in traditional Japanese style robes. Sessions take place on a padded mat at floor level.
Derby's three-year course was developed in conjunction the Shiatsu Society. Students build their skills up to be able to treat NHS patients and members of the public in their final year of study as they prepare for their future career.
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For any other information please contact the University of Derby's Senior Press and PR Officer, Simon Redfern, on 01332 591942/ 591891/ 591041 or via email at pressoffice@derby.ac.uk. Alternatively write to:
University of Derby
Kedleston Road
Derby
DE22 1GB
