Shiatsu after Trauma, Abuse and Violence
After traumatic experiences, violations of personal boundaries, loss of control or in the case of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the nervous system may continue to respond to a past threat even though it is long gone. This can show itself, for example, in difficulties with boundaries, a need for control that is not appropriate to the situation, limited access to emotions, or very strong and overwhelming emotions, inner tension and restlessness. Through Shiatsu after trauma, you can experience and learn how to regulate your nervous system so that you can feel safe, calm and present.
What can Shiatsu do – and what can’t it do?
In Shiatsu treatments, we support abilities that may not have been able to develop sufficiently as a result of trauma. However, we do not work through past events psychologically. By combining Shiatsu with elements of the trauma therapy approach Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Dr Peter Levine, you can consciously experience corrective experiences. You learn to…
- sense your connection with yourself and your surroundings,
- feel comfortable and safe with yourself and with others,
- allow touch and closeness,
- sense, communicate and maintain your boundaries,
- experience having control and letting go, and
- keep your attention in the present moment.
In this way, a healthy relationship with boundaries and greater emotional stability can develop over time, without focusing on working through the past.
Would you like to try Shiatsu?
If you have any questions or would like to find out whether Shiatsu could support you on your journey, feel free to book an appointment.
