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Yoshima Therapy

by Alex Fortina

Welcome to Yoshima Therapy, your destination for holistic health and wellness. My belief is that true health can be achieved through a balance of movement, appropriate massage therapy, and proper nutrition, and that's exactly what I offer here.

WHY YOSHIMA?

Timetable


Where and when you can find me teaching each week

M

Mondays

5.30PM - Sans Souci Physio - Carlton

T

Tuesdays

10AM - Newport Yoga Centre

W

wednesdays

  • 5.50PM - Sans Souci Physio - Carlton
  • 7.30PM - Bodhi Pilates studio - Ramsgate

T

Thursdays

  • 7AM - Sans Souci Physio - Carlton
  • 10AM - Newport Yoga Centre

S

Saturdays

8.15AM - Sans Souci Physio - Carlton

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FAQS

Here are answers to some common questions. 

  • What is Japanese yoga or yoga therapy?

    Japanese Yoga, also known as yoga therapy or meridian yoga therapy, is a unique form of yoga that combines traditional hatha yoga and asanas with therapeutic principles. It focuses on holistic well-being by directly affecting various bodily systems, including the organs, bones, circulatory system, lymphatic system, and nervous system. The primary goals of Japanese Yoga are to promote physical relaxation, core strength, nervous system balance, immune system enhancement, and the harmonization of organ energies to address any existing imbalances in the body.

  • How do I book a yoga class with you?

    You can book a class by going to the respective studio's websites and going through their booking system. They are all quite simple and straightforward but if you have any issues please feel free to contact me.

  • What's zen shiatsu therapy?

    Zen Shiatsu therapy is a Japanese bodywork technique that involves applying pressure and stretching to specific points and areas of the body to promote relaxation, alleviate tension, and improve the flow of energy (qi or ki) throughout the body. It is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and is often used to address physical and emotional imbalances, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being.

  • How is shiatsu different than normal massage?

    The main difference between Shiatsu and regular massage lies in their techniques and underlying principles:


    Technique:


    Shiatsu: Shiatsu involves the application of pressure using fingers, thumbs, palms, and sometimes elbows or knees along specific points and meridians (energy pathways) in the body. It may also include stretches and joint rotations.


    Regular Massage: Regular massage techniques typically involve kneading, stroking, tapping, and manipulating soft tissues like muscles and fascia. It focuses on relaxing the muscles and improving circulation.


    Principles:


    Shiatsu: Shiatsu is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese healing practices. It aims to balance the flow of qi (energy) in the body's meridians to promote overall well-being.


    Regular Massage: Regular massage techniques are often based on Western anatomy and physiology. They aim to reduce muscle tension, alleviate pain, and improve muscle flexibility and circulation.


    Clothing:


    Shiatsu: Shiatsu is typically performed with the recipient fully clothed, making it more convenient for some individuals.


    Regular Massage: Regular massages often require the recipient to undress partially or completely, depending on the type of massage and personal preference.



    In summary, while both Shiatsu and regular massage offer relaxation and therapeutic benefits, Shiatsu focuses on the body's energy flow and is performed with the recipient clothed, whereas regular massage primarily targets muscle tension and often involves skin-to-skin contact with the use of oils or lotions.

  • How can I book a shiatsu with you?

    Simply get in touch via email, phone, or instagram. We will arrange a time and day at your convenience.


    I can do home visit depending on your location or alternatively I do treatments from my home in Sans souci (south sydney).

  • Is shiatsu covered by my private health fund?

    The short and sad answer is: no.


    Unfortunately, despite the huge amount of benefits people get from shiatsu or yoga therapy (improved digestion, aleviated back/neck/shoulder pain, improved sleep, etc) the government does not support these practices. Those systems are judged using the western medicine "scientific method" system, which is evidence-based, using a certain method and portion of the population. But eastern medicine and therapies are based on individual needs and therefore it is tricky and not suitable to assess them using a modern scientific method. The evidence is everywhere and extremely obvious to anyone who's tried these therapies, but sadly the government does not seem to see it that way. 



    I invite you to read more about it in this articel from University of Technology Sydney: 


    https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health/news/natural-therapies-no-longer-covered-private-health#:~:text=Starting%20this%20week%2C%20private%20health,and%20half%20a%20dozen%20others.

  • Do you do home visits? If so, does it cost extra?

    Yes I do home visits, depending on your location.


    I usually charge an extra $20 depending on the distance andthe number of people interested in a treatment. If more than one person is interested  (e.g. you and your partner both want a shiatsu) then you can divide the extra cost between yourselves.


    I am usually up in the Northern beaches on tuesdays and thursdays. 


    I also sometimes travel to the blue mountains to see clients.


    So definitely let me know if you prefer to have a home visit and live outside of sydney.

  • What should I wear during a shiatsu massage?

    For shiatsu, the patient is typically dressed (unlike regular massage).


    The best is to wear loose and comfortable clothes to avoid any movement restriction.

  • What should I do or NOT do before a shiatsu?

    Try to avoid drinking coffee or any caffeinated drink on the day of your treatment. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system and can make you aggitated and overly alert. 


    During a shiatsu, we work on the autonomic nervous system, and more specifically the parasympathetic nervous system. We work at a deeper level, and consuming stimulants beforehand might hinder the effects of the shiatsu. 


    It's also recommended not to eat 2 hours prior your treatment.


    Afterward your shiatsu, try to have a slow relaxing day and definitely don't have alcohol, coffee or any other stimulants. The effects of shiatsu carry on for 2 or 3 days most of the time. If you wish to obtain maximum benefit out of each treatment, you should try to stay as relaxed as possible during those following days.

  • How long is a shiatsu massage, and why?

    A Shiatsu massage typically lasts for 90 minutes to allow ample time for thorough relaxation and the balanced flow of energy throughout the body. 


    This extended duration enables me to work on various acupressure points and meridians systematically, promoting deep relaxation, stress reduction, and the release of tension. 


    Additionally, the extended session allows for a comprehensive approach to addressing physical and energetic imbalances, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the therapy.


    I usually provide appropriate advice at the end of the session, in the form of therapeutic movements, lifestyle changes, or dietary advise (depending on the clients needs and condition).

  • What is Macrobiotics?

    Macrobiotics is a dietary and lifestyle philosophy that emphasizes a balanced and holistic approach to health and well-being. It is based on the belief that food and lifestyle choices have a profound impact on physical, mental, and spiritual health.


    Key principles of macrobiotics include:


    Balanced Diet: Macrobiotics promotes a diet centered around whole grains, primarily brown rice, complemented by a variety of vegetables, legumes, seaweed, and occasionally small amounts of fish or other animal products. It encourages locally sourced, seasonal, and minimally processed foods.


    Yin and Yang Balance: Macrobiotics seeks to achieve a balance between yin (expansive, cooling) and yang (contractive, warming) qualities in food to promote harmony in the body. This balance is believed to influence health and vitality.


    Natural and Organic Foods: Preference is given to natural, organic, and unprocessed foods. It encourages avoiding or minimizing the consumption of artificial additives, chemicals, and highly refined products.


    Mindful Eating: Practitioners of macrobiotics often emphasize the importance of mindful eating, chewing food thoroughly, and savoring each bite.


    Lifestyle Factors: Macrobiotics extends beyond diet to include lifestyle factors such as regular physical activity, proper sleep, stress management, and mindful living.


    Individualization: While there are general guidelines, macrobiotics can be tailored to an individual's unique needs and health goals.


    It's important to note that macrobiotics is not just a diet but a comprehensive approach to life that aims to foster physical, emotional, and spiritual balance. People who follow macrobiotics often do so for reasons of health, sustainability, and a desire for greater harmony with nature.

Ask me anything now!

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