Some make appointments at my office, while others request to be treated at their place of stay (riads, hotels, AirBnBs), which I accept with the host’s agreement. This results in both pleasant and positive feedback.
This practice is different from what I was taught during training, where the emphasis was on follow-up and support. Teachers, and then my practice, convinced me that Shiatsu follow-up is an endurance race. The energetic effect of our work takes place over time, session after session, with the gradual support of the Jusha gaining autonomy to maintain their internal balance. This is indeed a constant message to the community in Tangier: « Let’s have several sessions if we want lasting results. » Should we conclude that a single session is useless? Not necessarily.
The Benefits of a Session During Vacation
Accelerating the Transition to « Vacation Mode »
Relaxation is not always immediate for someone conditioned by the pace and stress of daily life. This translates into the first 3 or 4 days being a bit gloomy in Tangier. The body and mind remain in « alert » mode instead of letting go. However, relaxing a stressed person is fully within our capabilities. The Shiatsu session to let go at the beginning of a stay deserves to be included in any good travel agency package.
Limiting the Damage of a Sudden Resumption of Physical Activity
Switching from a sedentary lifestyle to suddenly engaging in sports like surfing, mountain biking, running… is not without risk. Many vacationers fall into the thrilling trap of pushing their abilities to the limit and hitting it head-on. Let’s be clear: the most severe cases and accidents fall under the domain of trauma surgeons and physiotherapists, who are not lacking in Tangier. But when it comes to muscle soreness or fatigue, Shiatsu can assist, relieve painful tensions, and aid recovery to avoid ruining a vacation.
Experiencing Something Authentic and New
Spa treatments, like Hammam with its black soap scrub, often take the spotlight. And an Instagram-worthy shot of an excellent energy treatment isn’t dazzling.
Fortunately, there are various ways to travel, and some visitors stray from the beaten path and use their time to enjoy a reconnection experience. Mainly urban Europeans who pass by Shiatsushi signs daily without ever taking the time to try. So on vacation, why not? I’m delighted to be their guide and encourage them to continue with local practitioners once they return.
Creating a Wellness Appointment
I am pleased to count among my regular Jushas visitors who do not live in Tangier. They have friends or family there. Despite my recommendations, and sometimes my efforts to guide them, they do not receive Shiatsu treatments at their usual residence. However, they always include one or more Shiatsu sessions when they return to Tangier. I appreciate their loyalty, and our sessions are always a good opportunity to review the past months. It’s not a follow-up, as taught in training. But I contribute to their overall balance, their lifestyle, and their pleasure in returning to this city.
Testing Another Form of Practice
This last case is rarer but does exist. Some Shiatsu enthusiasts like to use their travels to test other practitioners. They discover that while the principles remain the same, the practice forms vary greatly from one Shiatsushi to another. This even raises questions for some. On my part, I have to deal with the slight stress it causes. Am I meeting the expectations of these expert Jushas? To date, I have never regretted hosting such profiles.
The Limits of a Single Session
I recently had a taxi driver from Birmingham who complained of hip discomfort due to his driving posture. Used to osteopathic treatments, he asked if I could « crack » his joint. I informed him that I did not work that way. Nevertheless, he came, and I found that his issue was too old and pronounced to be improved in a single session. This gentleman enjoyed the relaxing effect of the session but expressed disappointment that his hip did not crack. Fortunately, I had not made any empty promises.
More generally, one does not correct a long-standing imbalance in a few minutes. However, these few minutes can trigger a process that our traveler can continue elsewhere, in other hands.
- The Jusha is the person receiving the Shiatsu. The person practicing it is called the Shiatsushi.