When we experience Shiatsu the body knows it’s working. The gut knows its good. We feel it in our bones.
The head though has questions. How? Why? What exactly? So here are some answers for the mind.
Trauma informed Shiatsu supporting victims/survivors of sexual abuse.
This Australian research is close to my heart as it matches my experience of Shiatsu in support of women recovering from domestic violence at Aoibhneas Womens & Childrens Refuge. Shiatsu creates an opportunity for victim/survivors to become mindful of their physical and internal experience to improve self-regulation, draw clear boundaries, foster mind-body connection and promote a sense of safety in the body
This ten year program showed effective outcomes when combining psychotherapeutic interventions with trauma informed Shiatsu within a sexual abuse service.
The initiative recognises that the mind and body are intrinsically linked in victim/survivors’ experience of trauma and, as such, both mind and body require consideration and attention in therapeutic interventions aimed at healing and recovery.
Shiatsu in Hospitals
The future in healthcare is integrative of Eastern and Western medicine.
For 15 years a remarkable collaboration between Eastern and Western medicine has been going on in five specialist hospitals in Vienna, Austria where Shiatsu was offered to patients alongside Western medical treatment.
“120 patients were treated and 80% really improved. About half of the patients improved in a significant way that surpassed all our expectatons.”
Shiatus is based on the same pricinples as Acupuncture but instead of needles, the practicioner uses touch, pressure, stretching and support to help the patient feel more balanced and revitalized.
The aim of Shiatsu is not to focus on the patient’s symptoms but to strengthen and nourish their Ki, the Japanese word for life energy or vitality. This helps to restore the patients natural healing powers at all levels: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
The question is not Shiatsu or conventional medicine. The answer is that Shiatsu should fit into normal medicine.
If you need an artificial hip, a Shiatsu therapist cannot help you. If you want to avoid the artificial hip you’re much better of with a Shiatus therapist. There is a whole range of problems and diseases where conventional medicine should be promoted. And then there are problems and diseases … where we should look at other ways of treating. With Shiatsu you fare better, it’s cheaper and you attain better health and quality of life.
Shiatsu for Fibromyalgia
I trained in Shiatsu for Fibromyalgia in my post grad studies and have written about the support it offers, expecially when received regulary.
This controlled pilot study shows that Shiatsu supports even those with touch sensitivity. Study participants confirmed Shiatsu improves pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, sleep quality, and has a positive impact on the overall health of fibromyalgia patients.
Shiatsu is a complementary body therapy that provides support. It does not replace medical treatment.