Benefits and Research Evidence

The Shiatsu Society states that "you don't have to be ill to benefit from Shiatsu". This is very true as many clients will attest to how relaxing it is in itself. However, the European Shiatsu Federations large cross-European studied found that between 39% and 59% of people who had shiatsu did so to maintain their health. Those who took part said they had Shiatsu treatments for:

• Problems with muscles or joints
• Problems with body structure such as back pain or posture
• Relaxation and relief of tension or stress
• Low energy or fatigue
• Problems with digestion, breathing or blood pressure
• Menstrual pain
• Emotional support
• Self development

Shiatsu can provide support during periods of trauma, shock, grief, relief from fybromyalgic and muscular pain. Many people find it helpful in eliminating recurrent headaches, easing whiplash, alleviating pre-menstrual syndrome, promoting healthy digestion and uninterrupted sleep.

A large, cross-European cohort study (i.e. a study which followed up the same clients rather than comparing clients who received shiatsu with those that did not, and in this case, over 6 months) reported that users of shiatsu recorded a significant reduction in symptoms of:

• tension and stress
• musculoskeletal problems (i.e. back pain, problems with joints and muscles)
• low energy and fatigue

Other problems which showed improvement were:

• digestion
• menstruation
• breathing

If you are interested in finding out more about the study, there are two scientific publications available to purchase from the publishing journals:

1. Long, AF, The Effectiveness of Shiatsu: Findings from a Cross-European, Prospective Observational Study J ALTERN COMPLEM MED, 14(8), pp921-930, 2008
2. Long, AF; Esmonde, L; Connolly, S, A typology of negative responses: a case study of shiatsu. Complement Ther Med, 17(3), pp168-175, 2009