Prue McKenna

What main concerns do you treat?

Shiatsu works with the body on a physical and energetic level assisting with a wide range of concerns from muscular tension to digestive disturbance. Shiatsu is based upon the Japanese meridian system, which is used in acupuncture treatment to assist the body in creating a balanced flow in energy to support its own healing process. Common symptoms that are treated with Shiatsu are stress and anxiety, neck and shoulder tension, lower back pain, digestive conditions and sleep disorders.

What is your philosophy or belief about natural healing, and the work you do?

We are all powerful beings who have being given the gift of a body, soul and mind to play out our role in this lifetime. What we do with this vessel we have being given is our responsibility and therefore it is our duty to care for ourselves to ensure peace, health and happiness. Our work, experiences and everyday life has an effect on our being whether that be through stress or the neck and shoulder tension that arises from hours spent at the computer. These conditions can be hard to avoid but not unmanageable.

I believe we all have the power to be healthy and happy beings and that somewhere within ourselves we can tap into that power for self healing. I trust in the laws of nature and where there is illness there is also an antidote, whether that remedy be physical or psychological. Shiatsu is a way to explore ourselves, become in touch with our body and energy and find a balance within.

What can you do that no one else can to help them?

I look at the balance of energy and exhaustion and try to seek out ways of balancing harmful influences with beneficial influences.

What sort of guarantee can you put on your service?

I can guarantee that a Shiatsu treatment will bring you closer to yourself and help to gain a greater understanding of your inner health and being. Many people walk out of a Shiatsu treatment with a wonderful sense of peace and calm and awareness of themselves.

What value added services, or products can you add onto consultations?

I include yoga exercises, Chinese dietary therapy and lifestyle advice to accompany the treatment. When a client comes to see me they are trusting their body into my hands and I take it upon my responsibility to help them to integrate the treatment into their life. I like to think that Shiatsu doesn’t end on the mat but with care and guidance that feeling of peace and relaxation can be carried on.

What is the potential impact of not seeing you?

Shiatsu unblocks the energetic pathways and encourages the production of energy. It is a wonderful form of body-work to integrate into ones life as it works on many energetic levels therefore the benefits reach many aspects of your being. Choosing to live life to the full potential is the choice of the individual but by missing out on this wonderful therapy is denying yourself of what you know you deserve.

What would a normal treatment involve?

A normal treatment will involve a 10 minute consultation where I check the pulse which indicates the energetic level of the client. I will also ask a few appropriate questions regarding general health. This is also the opportunity to provide any information on any areas of pain or tension or conditions the client has being experiencing. From this information I can formulate a treatment plan that will work to target the appropriate areas. The treatment lasts for 1 hour where I use my hands, elbows, feet and knees to stimulate the appropriate meridians (energetic pathways) and acupoints. Depending on the clients needs some aspects of the treatment may require strong pressure, stretches and yoga postures. Regardless of the techniques employed the back, limbs, head, neck and shoulders will receive treatment.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on the health of the client and their wiliness to assist in the healing process. Shiatsu in conjunction with a proper diet, exercise and yoga can be received on a regular basis for a holistic healthy lifestyle.

Can I claim through private health insurance?

Yes depending on your provider.

What qualifications and experience do you have?

I am a qualified Shiatsu Therapist registered with the Australian shiatsu association. I completed my two year diploma in Shiatsu and Oriental therapies in 2010 at the Australian shiatsu college, Melbourne. Throughout my studies I completed 200 hours of student clinic working with the general public and special needs clients. I completed a research project working with victims of eating disorders and found a strong interest in this area. I have worked privately in Melbourne and rural Victoria for 1 year and conducted treatments in India.

I have also participated in Zen touch awareness workshops and Buddhist meditation.

I am a registered Yoga teacher and combined the practice of Yoga with Shiatsu as both forms of bodywork combine beautifully together.

What are the main concerns or worries your clients have when they come to see you?

I see many clients who spend a lot of time at computers and have high levels of stress at work resulting in tension in the upper body, lower back pain and sleep disturbance. Many clients are looking for a from of body therapy that will help them to relax but not disrobe.

Do you specialise in areas?

I specialise in digestive disorders and eating disorders and symptoms arising from stress. My treatments are strong but nurturing and focused on the breath. I can include lots of stretches to unblock tension and encourage the client to become involved in their treatment through their breath as I believe their healing process is theirs to be apart of.