Relax to promote health! MRSS qualified Shiatsu Practitioner with 30 years experience in bodywork.
SERVICES
Shiatsu, Seiki, Metamorphic Technique, Reflexology, Qi Gong, Mind Clearing
INTRODUCTION
Apart from Shiatsu, Reflexology, Qi Gong and Metamorphic Technique which I have done professionaI training in and obtained qualifications, I have been very interested in pychotherapy, doing short but non qualification workshops and courses. I have just completed year 2 of Mind Clearing, which is about gaining clarity on issues, and practice in expressing what is true for oneself. My focus remains on bodywork but am aware of the inextricable link with the mind/emotions/spirit. I have become interested in post traumatic stress disorder since working for several years with a client suffering from this. In the early days I was unable to touch her and simply had to rely on intuition as to how to work with her... picking up subtle signals. No one training prepared me for this. However, I travelled to Japan twice to study with Kishi Akinobo (plus several workshops with him in UK) who teaches Seiki*. Through that I gradually learnt to be quiet and to trust what I FELT to be the right response to a client, constantly checking if it still felt right and their response. I feel this is a particularly appropriate way of working with people with any emotional/stress related problems but of course with many physical problems as it is all connected: the physical impacting on the emotions and the emotional impacting on the physical.
If you wish to check out more of my background, my CV is at the bottom of this page.
Seiki* was developed by Akinobo Kishi, who trained as a Shiatsu Practitioner from childhood in Japan. It has the mind set of Metamorphic Technique… ie. not so much doing as non-judgementally observing, accepting and therefore allowing change rather than forcing. It can look similar to Cranial Sacral or Bowen Technique. However, there is no set protocol other than to relax and allow resonance between client and therapist and act from that point. The discipline as a practitioner is to allow oneself to be moved to do something, to wait till an authentic urge emerges.
However, most clients come to me wanting Shiatsu so I do a sort of combination of work I know intellectually will help with any immediate problem, with the intuitive approach of Seiki.
Shiatsu is brilliant to relax and de-stress. Most people are holding tension in their bodies. Just check right now. Are you holding your tummy in? Are your shoulders slightly raised? See what it feels like to let that go. Wherever we are tense we are restricting the flow of blood, lymph and energy. Depending on where the tension is this can have negative effects on organ function.
With Shiatsu you lay back and let the Shiatsu Practitioner find those tensions and you may be surprised. Relax and allow the body to unravel as the therapist gently moves, stretches or puts pressure on those areas. As well as directly addressing those tensions we use acupressure points and meridians. People have obtained benefits from a wide range of ailments as well as musculo-skeletal problems. If you want to check out more about that and the research that has been carried out, here is the Shiatsu Society website:
www.shiatsusociety.org
After 3 years training, obtaining a diploma and then 4 years of more Shiatsu and other courses (eg workshops in cranial sacral therapy/Alexander Technique/spiritual healing etc.) and more exams I obtained MRSS (Member of the Register of the Shiatsu Society) in 1996. In the last 10 years or so I have attended 2 intensive residentials in Japan and workshops in England with Kishi Sensei in Seiki. I learnt that sometimes "less can be more". That stillness and presence can be more important than bullying a body (or mind) into submission! I wait and watch quietly (from a few seconds to a couple of minutes) till I feel the body call for something different or to move to a different part. I believe the body has a natural intelligence. Sometimes it needs provoking. Sometimes simple attention is enough. Some clients feel an irresistible urge to move or have spontaneous jerking movements. This is the body doing what it needs to do, but in our daily lives is usually more appropriate to suppress. More often people feel a sense of inner movement or flow, or subtle little twitches. It is in stillness that those sensations and impulses can be felt. We are more often numb to such things. It is not something we give time and attention to allow ourselves to feel. In simply relaxing and allowing it can be profoundly satisfying, as the client, (and therapist!) just to observe with no further agenda other than to be natural/yourself, which can include a range of responses. Most people seem to experience a sense of being "reached" and just want to absorb that.
With Qi Gong (alternate spellings: chi gong, chi kung) you are more "active": again to relax and release to allow flow and therefore better health. It sometimes involves just standing ("just" is maybe a misnomer as there is more involved than it may look like!), sometimes gentle slow movements, and some swings which are more energetic. I would draw your attention to any tension you may be holding and make suggestions and/or gently touch those areas to encourage release. (Just for your information: Qi Gong can be used to transmit healing Qi/energy and you would then be in a receptive and more passive role.)
All Shiatsu practitioners are introduced to Qi Gong but I have taken a particular interest in it and studied with many eminent teachers over the past 20 years. I began teaching small groups 2 years ago but have stopped and prefer working one to one as I find it more satisfying to concentrate on individual refinements/needs etc. I trained for the diplomas at Levels 1 and 2 at LCTA (London College of Traditional Medicine and Acupuncture) concentrating mostly on Bruce Frantzis' style of Qi Gong. I was about to begin the level 3 when the College ceased trading so I continued with Chris Chappell who greatly refined the work we had been doing. I most enjoy tuning in to what I or others need in any given moment thus it often seems more like an art than a routine or discipline (this applies to the bodywork I do too). For this course I have had to be more constrained and disciplined but I feel it has enhanced and refined my understanding and approach to my own practice and to my teaching.
I try to keep well informed about the various aspects of health, including diet, supplements etc. Due to my training as a nurse many years ago I have some understanding of more conventional medicine but I tend to see it as an avenue of last resort as most complementary therapies are more gentle as well as being effective for many conditions. I find it very satisfying to be able to share information and resources when clients request information for how they can support their healing processes.
With Reflexology and Metamorphic Technique
It is has been found that the foot reflects other areas of the body and "maps" have been developed accordingly. So by working on the feet one can indirectly access all areas of the body to aid healing. This is particularly useful if an injury or skin complaint etc. prevents direct contact. Reflexology is tiny movements with fairly deep pressure of the thumb all over the foot.
Metamorphic Technique was developed by a Reflexologist and has a more esoteric theory. It comprises gentle rubbing or tapping on certain areas of the feet, hands and head which send one into a bit of a trance. It is very relaxing and helps one feel space and acceptance of self and circumstances and others thus enabling metamorphosis (hence the name) to create change and movement. This could be on physical, emotional and/or spiritual levels.
PRACTICAL DETAILS
Frequency and duration:
Each session is about an hour long but a half hour session can be useful if you want a shorter time... in which case I would charge half price. The frequency is up to you and each person's responses are individual. Generally, if you are wanting to address something in particular I suggest weekly sessions for a few weeks, at first, and see how you go. Some clients come once a month or just once a year when they feel the need for a boost.
Price:
£45 (lower income/student/pensioner/unemployed £35) for an hour of Shiatsu or £25 for half an hour.
Private one to one Qi Gong lessons £30 for one hour.
Mind Clearing - suggested donation £20 per hour (A session is approx 2 hours)
Format:
For Shiatsu, Seiki, Reflexology, Metamorphic Technique or Qi Gong it is best if you wear something warm, loose and comfortable like a track suit or leggings and sweatshirt etc.. After any relevant history taking etc. I start Shiatsu and Seiki sessions with you usually laying face up on a futon mattress. This is at floor level and well padded but if a client has disabilities or prefers not to lay on the floor I can make other arrangements.
To get to me:
7 to 10 mins walk from Snaresbrook underground station. Street parking ok.
TESTIMONIALS
“I am delighted to be working with Shiatsu Society (UK).
I believe that modern medicine and complementary therapies can often work together to achieve the best results for patients. Using a practitioner from the Shiatsu Society (UK)
assures you of professional, expert attention.”
Dr Hilary Jones, GP and TV Medic
As a person with a chronic spinal disability I find Shiatsu a way of coping. I trust the hands of Francesca to find the tensions and ease them out. The knowledge that Francesca has gained through her years of practice and study enable her to know what is happening within my body and to act accordingly to help me. The Shiatsu massage is peaceful and painless. My comfort is always Francesca's prime care.
S. of Harlow, Essex
I originally went to Francesca because I was unhappy with conventional treatment for a recurring neck/shoulder problem. Shiatsu massage has been consistently effective for this and other problems over the years. I have also valued Francesca's friendly approach and helpful advice, for example about nutrition and alternative medicine.
Shirley of South Woodford
I have been going to Francesca now about 10 years for my Shiatsu and Reflexology treatments.
She is a very professional lady with a great knowledge in all aspects of alternative and natural medicines and healing. She is always there with help and advice - even for little things.
I have Shiatsu on a regular basis to help alleviate all the aches and pains I get as a result of the prescription drugs I'm obliged to take. I have found the treatments to be extremely effective and I certainly wouldn't think of going without them. During the course of my job, I do a lot of travelling. Shiatsu and Reflexology are terrific for curing my jet lag - it works...
every time!
Mary of South Woodford
CV/CAREER & TRAINING DETAILS
Ongoing private clients and CPD – Shiatsu/Seiki, Reflexology and Metamorphic Technique, Qi Gong
Qi Gong course with LCTA (London College of Traditonal med and Acupuncture) Diplomas for Levels 1 & 2 (2008 – 2010)
Dan Stretton w/s in Trauma release (Shiatsu based) 2009
Teaching Qi Gong at Bodywise, Bethnal Green (2007 – 2009)
Practicing Shiatsu at Goldings Hill Clinic of Natural Medicine, Loughton, Essex (1997 – 2007)
Mentoring of students, plus on mentoring sub committee of Shiatsu Soc.
Attendance at weekly Tai Chi classes 1995 – 2008
2 two week courses of Seiki in Japan, and several shorter UK courses with Kishi Akinobo
2 week course of Tui Na and Qi Gong in China (1999)
Alexander Barrie system of pelvic correction courses – basic and advanced.
Attendance at various health fairs etc. demonstrating Shiatsu
Ongoing CPD trainings in Shiatsu, Seiki and Qi Gong (various teachers and Masters)
First Aid course at St Barts
Facilitating Reflexology workshops at Fords Dagenham (1997)
Short, experiential courses in various psychotherapeutic and physical therapies (Cranial Sacral, Bowen, Alexander Tech, Nutrition, movement therapy, Ayurvedic medicine, Gestalt, Biodynamic Psychotherapy, NLP, art therapy etc.)
Facilitating monthly practice group at Ki Kai School of Shiatsu (1992 – 1994)
One year of weekly volunteering (Shiatsu) at Turning Point project at a residential alcoholics rehab (1995 – 1996)
4 years fortnightly volunteering with physically/mentally disabled teenagers/adults at Huddleston Centre in Clapton using Metamorphic Technique (1992 – 1996)
Participation in 3 month research project doing Reflexology in Antenatal clinic at Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone (1990)
Reiki I (1992) and II (1996)
3 year Shiatsu training with Ki Kai, then post grad with Shiatsu College, and other Shiatsu courses
Metamorphic Technique trainings with Gaston St Pierre
Reflexology Training with Ann Gillanders of British School, Harlow, Essex
Antenatal teacher training and giving classes – NCT (1985 – 1988)
20 years intermittently attending yoga classes from 1973
SRN training (qualified 1980) – Medway Hospital, Kent
1 year college:- passed A level English Lit and O level Sociology (1977)
1 year abroad – Kibbutz and travel (1975 – 1976)
5 years office work (1970 – 1975)
1 year secretarial course – typing etc and Accounts O level (1968 - 1969)
1957 - 1968 Convent of the Nativity School, Sittingbourne, Kent:- passed 8 O levels
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
SRN in 1980
Diploma in Reflexology - British School of Reflexology (1988)
Diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental Medicine from Ki Kai Shiatsu School (1992)
Advanced Post Grad Shiatsu - Shiatsu College (1995)
MRSS qualification (1996)
Cert. and Advanced Certificates in Alexander Barrie System of Pelvic Correction
Cert in Tui Na and Qi Gong - Xi Yuan Hospital, Beijing (1999)
Practitioner Diploma in Qi Gong Levels 1 & 2 - London College of Traditional Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (2009/2010)
Service Categories
Mens Health, Qigong, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Womens Health
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