Shiatsu is an oriental therapy that has existed for over 5,000 years. Sometimes described as Japanese physiotherapy, it utilizes a combination of pressure and assisted-stretching techniques, some of which are common to other therapies, such as Physiotherapy, Acupressure and Osteopathy. Shiatsu works on the flow of energy (qi) that circulates through our bodies in specific meridians.
The actual treatment approach and philosophy is similar to acupuncture in its usage of the meridians and tsubo (pressure points) as well as diagnostic methods, but without the use of needles. Unlike most other forms of bodywork, in shiatsu the receiver remains clothed for the treatment and no oil is used.
Shiatsu is a variant of accupressure, as it involves the stimulation of the acupoints with pressure. In shiatsu, the pressure is sometimes applied over a wider area, not just over the acupoints; sometimes, the pressure is applied precisely over the acupoints. Practitioners use fingers and thumbs for applying pressure precisely at localized points. For applying pressure over a larger area, they use palms, elbows, knees, and feet.
In addition to the pressure itself, shiatsu involves gentle stretch and manipulation techniques. These may have been borrowed from modern physiotherapy rather than from the ancient oriental massage, but shiatsu differs from Western massage in technique as well as in theory. While Swedish massage therapists use long, flowing hand movements to knead muscles, shiatsu practitioners apply rhythmic and gradual pressure to the meridians and tsubos. Sometimes, very light 'holding' techniques may be used, usually with the palm, almost like the laying on of hands as in spiritual healing. Stretching exercises and other corrective techniques create flexibility and balance in the body, both physically and energetically.
Traditional Oriental Medicine suggests that we all have a "life force" (qi) that maintains a homeostatic balance in the body; one that created our physical structure and regulates physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stability. The flow of qi can be disturbed either through external trauma, such as an injury, or internal trauma such as depression or stress. This is when symptoms like aches and pain start to occur and we start to experience a state of "disease". In shiatsu, the physical touch is used to assess the distribution of qi throughout the body and to try to correct any imbalances accordingly.
Although East and West have different viewpoints on health and life, these can complement one another. Shiatsu has only very recently gained recognition and popularity, with people becoming aware of its existence and benefits. In Japan, there are more than 87,000 registered shiatsu practitioners. This alone provides some evidence of its effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of disease.
Shiatsu is safe for everyone including small children, however, no pressure should be exerted in case of varicose veins or injuries such as cuts or breaks in bones, areas where there may be bruises, scar tissue, or swelling.
The treatment stimulates the circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid, releases toxins and deep-seated muscle tension, stimulates the hormonal system and the immune system and acts on the autonomic nervous system.
Shiatsu can be used to treat a variety of minor problems such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, back pain, constipation, skin irritations, and others. Shiatsu improves health generally by relieving stress, calming the nervous system and stimulating the circulatory and immune systems. It is particularly effective for stress-related tension and illnesses, insomnia, back pain, headaches and digestive upsets. However, through its stimulation of the hormone system, shiatsu can also affect the digestive and reproductive systems. Apart from bringing relief to symptoms, shiatsu gradually corrects long-term postural and behavioral imbalances leading to improved body/ mind awareness and a general sense of well-being and peace of mind.
Contra-indications: serious illnesses such as heart disorders, multiple sclerosis or cancer, high fever, especially when accompanied by local infection or inflammation or by infectious disease of any sort.
The use of shiatsu and acupressure has been found to be beneficial in relieving pain and sickness in various medical studies.
In a 1986 study, car factory workers were screened to exclude any with organic disease or infection. Then, 142 workers with chronic lumbar pain were treated with acupressure daily for 21 days on points along the spine, back and front of legs. A marked improvement was found in 29 percent of patients, 68 percent were cured, while 3.5 percent had no noticeable change. Thos who received acupressure treatments reported improved sleep as well.
Acupressure was used to treat morning sickness on 350 women attending the Royal Maternity Hospital in Belfast in 1988. They were randomly allocated to three groups and the severity of morning sickness was recorded daily for four days. The treatment group pressed a wrist acupuncture point, whereas the second group used a pretend acupressure point; the control group had no treatment. There was much less sickness in the genuine and dummy pressure groups compared with the control group. No adverse side effects were reported in the patients' pregnancies.
A 24-month study reported in Current Psychiatric Therapy in 1977 documented the successful treatment of headache pain with "auto-acupuncture." The acupressure or shiatsu techniques were evaluated as symptomatic treatment for the pain of migraine, allergy and tension headaches. The study was conducted with more than 500 neuropsychiatric outpatients, who were seen for more than 5,000 visits. Over 200 of the participants had significant headaches, occurring more than once per week. "Autoacupressure" replaced outpatient prescriptions for analgesics and stronger medications, and the physicians involved felt that the value of the alternative health method was greatly enhanced by its easy availability and lack of toxic effects.
In 1982, the American Journal of Chinese Medicine reported that various methods, including acupressure, were beneficial in improving the general health of the elderly and in promoting longevity. In 1980, the American Journal of Acupuncture reported that shiatsu and acupressure had been used effectively in a community health education center over a period of six years with amazing results. The participants benefited greatly in self management of pain and stiffness due to physical and/or physiological and stress related conditions. (Data from holistic-online.com)