Conditions
Acupuncture and shiatsu are beneficial as preventative medicine, for general wellbeing and stress reduction. They are also used for acute and chronic conditions, especially those in which western medicine has had little success in treating. The NHS support the use of acupuncture and shiatsu during maternity, in pain related conditions and as an adjunct in the treatment of addiction and cancer.
Frequency of treatments is very much down to the individual. For most people 4-6 weekly treatments is recommended but this can vary depending on how long you have had your complaint and your current state of health. For very acute conditions, it may be helpful to come more than once a week. As your condition improves, the sessions can be spaced out. Every person is unique and some respond well to the first treatment whilst others may not see results for a number of sessions.
Acupuncture and shiatsu have a cumulative effect, similar to the way exercise and a good diet can improve your health.
Studies have shown that acupuncture is most effective in helping ease the symptoms of the following conditions:
- migraine, headache, dental pain, neck pain, chronic (long-lasting) back pain, post-operative pain, and nausea (particularly chemotherapy-induced nausea)
Additional studies have shown that acupuncture may have a positive effect on other conditions including:
- fatigue, digestive disorders, anxiety, depression, insomnia, asthma, and hay fever.
In 2006 the Whittington Hospital in North London introduced a very successful pilot scheme offering acupuncture in the ante natal and day labour wards to treat nausea and vomiting, pain and stress and repositioning of the foetus, and during labour itself to help improve contractions, alleviate pain and anxiety, and expedite the birth.
A recent three-country study on the effects and experiences of shiatsu commissioned by the European Shiatsu Federation showed shiatsu was being used to treat conditions or associated symptoms including:
- asthma, back problems, cancer, pulmonary obstruction, depression, headaches, bowel problems, palliative care, assisting pregnancy, joint pain and stress.
The research also showed that shiatsu treatments led to:
- a reduction in physician/hospital visits over time alongside
a reduction in
the use of conventional medication - and a statistically significant reduction in symptom severity
The study also reported many other benefits from treatment including feeling more relaxed or calmer, more energized, improved posture, more able to cope and more balanced.
