Insomnia is frequently baffling to Western medical doctors. Many of my patients have undergone extensive sleep clinic testing, only to be told that there is "no cause" for their suffering.

Often sleeping pills are prescribed; but these create physical and/or psychological dependence.

Insomnia is largely self-diagnosed: in other words, if you feel you have insomnia, you do! Often, simple lifestyle changes can make a dramatic difference. See the sidebar on the left for some examples.

In the Eastern model, the mind and spirit are described with the term "shen". If the shen is restless, this may cause disturbed sleep. Viewed in this way, insomnia is ultimately a spiritual problem.

This is just one of the many patterns which Eastern medicine recognizes as causing sleep disturbance.

Your specific experience of insomnia, plus your unique history, will suggest the correct shiatsu treatment plan for you.




As a qualified zen shiatsu therapist, I work with the body's energetic channels, or meridians, to clear imbalances and help your body restore itself.

Many of my patients have successfully eliminated sleeping medications from their life by having a course of treatments and implementing lifestyle changes.

Shiatsu is often called "acupuncture without needles", and is quite different from conventional massage: think of it as energetic medicine.

The physical techniques employed include pressure, stretching, and various manipulations, as well as energetic work.

Your treatment, or series of treatments, will be designed to treat the underlying cause of your sleeplessness, and to gradually and effectively relieve your insomnia.

Zen shiatsu treats the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. It is gentle but powerful, non-invasive, natural and drug-free.

I look forward to working with you!

David Roddis, S.T.

For appointments and enquiries, please call 416.972.1380