
Born in Miyazaki, Japan, Tomoko graduated from the Australian Shiatsu College and holds a diploma in Shiatsu and oriental therapies. She offers an intuitive work which developed from her family tradition of ”giving kata-tataki (a shoulder massage) and ashi-fumi (a back of feet massage) to the elders with a respect” when she was a child. Currently, Tomoko also works as a body art therapist and also a dance performer
Shiatsu is an invigorating Japanese body therapy that aims to restore balance by working on the channels of blood and energy as well as pressure points. Closely aligned with traditional Chinese medicine, it employs a variety of techniques using the palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and even the feet. Shiatsu feels quite different to massage. It’s easy to get hooked because it’s stimulating and soothing.
Treatments are done on a futon, with clients fully clothed and lying down. It’s best to wear loose, comfortable clothing, particularly natural fibres. Sessions usually run for one hour, which includes a brief consultation. It’s important to know that each practitioner works differently with their own special style. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback, even during treatments.
Shiatsu is great for a range of conditions, particularly stress and anxiety; neck, shoulders and back pain; headaches; digestive disorders; poor circulation; muscular pain; and insomnia. At the end of a treatment, clients usually experience a physical and emotional well-being – it’s pure bliss!
Frequency of treatments depends on the individual, their condition and circumstances at the time. But as a basic rule of thumb, getting regular treatments helps you to return to a natural state of balance. The key is to maintain that balance to prevent illness, which is not always easy in our hectic lives. It’s worth noting that, in ancient China, family physicians were only paid when their clients were healthy, not when they were fell sick.
It's better not to eat just before a treatment as you'll be lying down. It's also common for practitioners to work on the abdominal region as part of the diagnosis, so you'll feel more comfortable on an emptier stomach. Treatments with Tomoko or Lin are available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Other times are available on request.
The fee for a one hour treatment is $75. Rebates apply for most private health care. To make a booking please call 9654 9994.