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Shiatsu and Scientific Research: A Journey Just Begun

Updated: May 23


Shiatsu and Scientific Research

Shiatsu is still very little known, and its effects, both short-term and long-term, require further studies to prove its validity. The words of those who undergo Shiatsu treatments are unequivocal, and here there are many. But what does scientific research say?


Shiatsu and Scientific Research


I would like to share with you a scientific study that could be one of the first of its kind. This research was presented at the World Congress of Palliative Care in Trondheim, Norway, in May 2008.


In 2005, the Shambàla Shiatsu School had the idea of proposing a research project to the National Cancer Institute of Milan to attest to how Shiatsu can positively affect the well-being of cancer patients.


I want to emphasize that Shiatsu is not a therapy and does not intervene directly on the pathology. It does not replace medical care, but in total respect for the diagnosis and prognosis made by the doctor and healthcare staff, it naturally improves the health condition of the person affected by the disease.


Douglas Gattini, educational director of the Shiatsu School, interviewed Dr. Augusto Caraceni, Director of the Hospice at the National Cancer Institute of Milan, to talk about the relationship between Shiatsu and Oncology.


During the interview, Dr. Caraceni explained how Shiatsu can support cancer patients, improving their quality of life. It is not a treatment that cures cancer, but an approach that can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the disease and cancer treatments, such as nausea, pain, and fatigue. In essence, Shiatsu can help make the therapeutic journey more bearable.


You can watch the full interview by following this link (duration 13’ 23’’) English subtitles.


Experiences and Testimonials


Patient testimonials are crucial to understanding the value of Shiatsu. Many cancer patients who have experienced this practice report feelings of deep relaxation and an improvement in their emotional state. Some talk about pain reduction and a greater ability to face traditional therapies with more serenity.


These benefits give the strength to face chemotherapy with a different, more positive spirit.

Shiatsu in the Therapeutic Context


If Shiatsu and scientific research have yielded positive results in subjects with such severe pathologies, what can it do in every other therapeutic field? The answer is promising. Shiatsu can be a valuable complement in many other health conditions, offering support for chronic pain management, stress reduction, improved sleep, and immune system strengthening.


The practice of Shiatsu is based on ancient principles of energy balancing and deep relaxation. Through a combination of pressure, stretching, and breathing techniques, Shiatsu works to rebalance the energy flow in the body, promoting healing and overall well-being.


Shiatsu is a practice that deserves attention and further studies to fully understand its benefits and potential. The experiences of cancer patients and the initial results of scientific research indicate that this technique can offer significant relief and improvement in quality of life.


If you know someone who could benefit from Shiatsu, I invite you to share this article. Thank you for your time and attention.


Good Shiatsu,

Agnese

ps: read Silvia testimonial about the Benefits of Shiatsu she received

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