Shiatsu is a Japanese massage technique founded on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a form of therapy using thumbs and palms to apply pressure to the human body in order to correct internal malfunctions and to improve health. The gentle touch and pressure helps regulate the body’s natural flow of energy. Shiatsu is received on a futon on the floor wearing comfortable clothes. Headaches, back problems, sleeping disorders, stress, anxiety are some of the areas where shiatsu therapy is beneficial.
We tried it out for you and interviewed Maria Larsson Greppin (see video link below).
Why did you start? What has been the inspiration?
I started my journey in the field of shiatsu about 7 years ago when I was at a turning point in my life. At this time I strongly felt the need to develop a professional activity with a deeper sense of humanity. An activity which made a difference and really helped others. My inspiration goes back to when I experienced shiatsu myself for the first time. I was surprised how powerful this art of touch was in the way that it made me feel completely connected to my inner source. It made me feel “at home” again. To me, shiatsu is true physical and emotional well-being. It leads to deeper self-understanding as it helps us to connect to our inner strength and who we are.
Have you been working on this idea forever, or was it something that came to you recently?
The idea to work in the field of complementary therapy had been growing for several years but with a background in business, the effort that this professional changeover implicated was considerable. It has always been of great importance to me to try to find balance in the stressful and hyperconnected environment in which we live. I wanted to be able to assist others in finding balance in their day-to-day life so I finally decided to sign up for the 4-year Shiatsu programme at ISS - International school of shiatsu in Carouge, Switzerland in 2017.
What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
On a personal plan, making time and space in my life to reorient myself professionally has been a challenge. Balancing family life, personal activities, and taking on a new career has many challenges... but amazing to be able to do this. I encourage anyone who is thinking about a career change to stay positive.
Where do you see your company going? What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the coming years are to develop my shiatsu practice in general but especially in the field of maternity. I hope to play a role in developing shiatsu as part of an integrative programme for maternity combining complementary therapy and conventional medicine within this field. I believe in a holistic view of the human being with the aim to offer patients treatment with a global approach.
What is your favorite product you offer and why?
My current offer comprises shiatsu in general for both adults and children and I specialize in shiatsu for women (from menstrual cycle disorders, fertility issues, pregnancy, post-partum, to menopause). I also propose shiatsu in the work place in order to promote a healthy working environment in the office. And last but not least I offer classes of DO IN which is a form of auto massage that I teach to smaller groups of 2-3 people. I don’t really have a favourite as all of them contribute to my goal to assist people on their path to better health and balance in their day to day life.
What others have told us about Maria
Lisa Cirieco-Ohlman, Know-it-all passport, visited Maria recently and interviewed her about shiatsu and how Maria's life path took her down this route. You can see the video by clicking here.
Annette Ciccarelli, from Gimel, told us, "I would like to recommend Vers l'équilibre Shiatsu, a shiatsu therapy studio run by Maria Larsson Greppin. I’ve received treatment mainly for my arthritis pain in my lower back, a mouse arm. After a session with Maria I always feel light at heart and soul and full of energy. After going to Maria regularly, I’ve noticed a big reduction in my arthritis pain. Compared to many other treatments I’ve tried, I find Shiatsu to be so much more than just a physical treatment. It is a therapy for both body and mind and it has helped me, not only with my pains and discomforts, but also with my perimenopause symptoms, reducing my blues and stabilising my mood swings. I highly recommend Maria for her professional approach, gentle attitude and ability to listen and adjust her treatment to your needs. She is a very warm and welcoming therapist who makes you feel comfortable in an instant."
Camilla Rask wrote, "I am a shiatsu client at Maria Larsson Greppin - Vers l’équilibre SHIATSU. She has been a very helpful and proffesional shiatsu therapeut for me.
She has treated and helped me a lot with her shiatsu sessions. Every treatment is a real pleasure and thanks to Maria I feel all well now. I highly recommend her shiatsu sessions."
Maria has kindly offered a discount to knowitall.ch readers:
— 15% discount on one-session fees: CHF 85.- instead of CHF 100.-
— 10 % discount on the 5-sessions fees: CHF 382.50 instead of CHF 425.-
This offer is valid until the end of 2021 after which she will participate in the complementary insurance scheme (ASCA).
Just let Maria know you read this article on knowitall.ch when booking your session.
Maria Larsson Greppin - Shiatsu Therapist
076 318 33 46
Vers l’Équilibre Shiatsu
Grande Rue 31 - 1st floor
1260 Nyon
www.verslequilibre.ch
Opened March 2020.
Centre Thérapeutique de la Côte
Route de la Vallée 9 - 1st floor
1180 Rolle
www.centre-lacote.ch/larsson-greppin-maria
Opened May 2021. Centre for integrative health dedicated to offering a wide range of complementary therapies to families, pregnant women, children and teenagers.
