Combines elements of massage and acupuncture. Occasionally an adverse effect is found: most recently in Japan, a case has been reported in a woman who had been receiving Shiatsu in the same spot for five years. Shiatsu is claimed to help in cerebral palsy by easing muscular stiffness and improving blood circulation.
British Register of Complementary Practitioners, tel: 020 7237 5165, www.i-c-m.org.uk.
Some physiotherapists are also trained in Shiatsu. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists may be able to identify members with an interest in it, tel: 020 7306 6666, http://tinyurl.com/yon6yz.
Iwanami H et al. Bilateral cerebellar infarction caused by intracranial dissection of the vertebral artery after long periods of Shiatsu. Brain and Nerve 2007 Feb, 59(2):169-71.
Palmer B. Movement Shiatsu and Cerebral Palsy. Journal of Shiatsu and Oriental Body Therapy 1995 Jan, 2:18-20 [not a peer-reviewed journal]
Pole N. Teaching Shiatsu to Mothers of Disabled Children. Journal of Shiatsu and Oriental Body Therapy 1995 Jan, 2:5-6 [not a peer-reviewed journal]
Stevensen C. The role of shiatsu in palliative care. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery 1995 Apr; 1(2):51-8.
