Shiatsu for stress relief in Cheltenham and Gloucester
Stress takes its toll mentally and very much physically. If you try to deny this then you pushing it deeper into your body where it manifests as symptoms.
Melt away tension, restore balance, and feel like yourself again with Shiatsu.
​A little bit of stress can be useful — it helps you meet deadlines and handle life’s challenges. But when stress becomes constant, it quietly builds up layer by layer until one small thing tips you over the edge.
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Regular Shiatsu treatments can help keep that “stress wall” low. Through gentle, mindful touch, Shiatsu helps your body release tension, calm your mind, and restore your natural flow of energy.
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Common Symptoms of Stress
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Stress can show up anywhere in the body. Starting from the top down, you might notice:
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Acne or skin flare-ups
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Headaches and migraines
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Shoulder and neck tension
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Ongoing aches and chronic pain
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Frequent illness or low immunity
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Digestive issues and stomach upsets
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Low energy or sleep problems
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Changes in appetite
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Racing thoughts or trouble switching off
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Palpitations or sweating
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Low mood or depression
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Lack of libido
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Emotional outbursts
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You may recognise any number of these symptoms. However it shows up for you, living with stress can feel overwhelming. I thought for years I was dealing with stress well. I was mentally strong and ignored the signs in my body however I did receive shiatsu monthly throughout my corporate career and I believe this kept me going and sane!
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Where Stress Comes From
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Many of life’s stresses can’t simply be avoided. They might come from caring for family, balancing work pressures, or managing daily responsibilities.
Even personality plays a part — some people naturally carry more tension than others. If you’re someone who pushes hard, strives for perfection, or feels under pressure without enough support, your stress levels can rise quickly.
It’s not just what’s happening around you — it’s also how your mind and body perceive it.
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How Shiatsu Helps Relieve Stress
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Stress doesn’t just stay in your thoughts — it settles into your body. That tension you feel in your shoulders or neck can also affect deeper areas like your diaphragm, stomach, or joints.
When muscles tense, their fibres shorten. If they never fully release, tightness builds up over time, creating discomfort and fatigue. In traditional Chinese Medicine, this ongoing tension can also affect your internal organs, leading to digestive or energy imbalances.
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Shiatsu helps your body release these patterns of tension and restores smooth, natural movement and flow.
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The Benefits of Shiatsu
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Shiatsu therapy gently works with your body to relieve built-up stress and support deep relaxation. Using soothing pressure and stretches, it helps your body reconnect and rebalance.
Regular Shiatsu sessions can help you:
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Reduce everyday stress and anxiety
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Improve sleep and energy
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Support digestion and immunity
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Ease muscle tension and pain
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Lift mood and emotional wellbeing
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Even if you can’t pinpoint exactly why you feel stressed, Shiatsu can help you reset and restore calm from the inside out.
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Stay on Top of Stress
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Don’t let stress quietly build up — your body mind and emotions deserve care and attention.
I'm local to Cheltenham or Gloucester, and with regular shiatsu sessions in you can:
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Keep stress levels low
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Strengthen your immune system
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Reduce recurring symptoms
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Feel calmer and more centred in daily life
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Ward off more serious ailments in life
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A Personal Note from Andrea
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I first discovered hands-on therapy in my 20s through cranial osteopathy — it helped both my mind and body. When I found Shiatsu in my 30s, everything clicked. It brought together physical ease and emotional calm in a way that just made sense.
I’ve been having Shiatsu every month ever since. I used to be a perfectionist and easily stressed, but Shiatsu helps me stay grounded and balanced. I can’t imagine how I’d feel without it.
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If stress is taking a toll on your body or mind, I’d love to help you discover how Shiatsu can support you too
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Andrea at Shiatsu Bodyworks Cheltenham recommends​
Normally my tips are quick ideas but Stress needs a look at the bigger picture and to ask yourself some tough questions.
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My tip this time is to ask yourself some questions:
What is my main stress at this time? (as I’m sure there will be many, but you need to be honest here).
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Is this really a stress that I need to carry? If Yes, see below, if No, then do something like a hot bath, soak and let it go....
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Really, is it? If no after giving yourself an honest talk take that bath ...If answer still yes, then you really should consider Shiatsu.
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There are external stresses and self-induced stress. If you have brought on additional stress by say staying angry at a situation then you should know that anger only affects one person – You.
By holding onto unnecessary stresses, you’re doing the same thing, only hurting yourself.
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This is why my tip is to really question whether certain stresses need to be held onto?
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If you’re caring for your parent, child, dog, grandchild, yes those are real stresses, as are work situations.
But if an argument with someone is an additional stress - this is a scenario that I suggest you ask yourself if you need to hold onto the stress of.... and if you struggle to let go then book in with me to help you.
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🌿 Book Your Shiatsu Session
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Shiatsu Treatment options
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Location: Outskirts of Cheltenham near the Arle Court Hub
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Come and experience the calm, balance, and relief that regular Shiatsu can bring. Your body — and your mind — will thank you.
