Reflexology,like Shiatsu, works on the understanding that all parts connect to the whole.
Reflexology: The practice of manipulating points on the hands or feet to balance energy flow around the body, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. The points on the hands and feet are called reflexes and each reflex corresponds to a different part of the body, such as a gland, organ or other body part. When manipulated, the reflexes can trigger physical reactions in the corresponding body parts.
– are highly compatible, both aim to clear blockages and harmonize energy.
When we are more balanced physically and mentally, our inner healing resources are more able to do their work.
Shiatsu is a hands-on form of body therapy, whilst Qi Gong (Chinese Yoga) is a practice which continues the beneficial effects.
Gentle fluid movement, connected with full body breathing, stimulates the flow of vital energy, creating a dynamic balance of body and mind.
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Benefits of Qi Gong Practice
1) Qi Gong improves the motion of blood, warms the blood and enhances whole body circulation.
2) Qi Gong stimulates appetite, sexual function, assimilation of nutrients, and digestion/elimination.
3) Qi Gong accelerates metabolism, weight Loss, and decreases need for sleep.
4) Qi Gong bolsters your immune system by reducing Cortisol, a known inhibitor of cytokine production.
5) Qi Gong improves dexterity, reflexes, and prevents osteoporosis in clinical studies.
6) Qi Gong opens arteries allowing greater brain-based micro-circulation to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
7) Qi Gong enhances mental accuity, focus and concentration.
8. Qi Gong helps us to calm down and become more peaceful.
9) Qi Gong helps spiritual growth, regardless of faith or beliefs.
An estimated 200 Million people practice Qigong worldwide. The list of things Qi Gong can heal includes: Digestive problems, poor blood circulation, endocrine and thyroid disorders, migraines, asthma, allergies, pain, high/low blood pressure, eye problems, cancer, diabetes etc. More serious diseases require food based healing in addition to Qi Gong.
More people are seeking holistic solutions for their health. Qi Gong and nutrition based healing offer affordable non-intrusive approaches that work. People are questioning the traditional methods of cutting, medicating, and waiting until a disease occurs. Everything is possible when we are in charge of our own health.
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Chungliang Al Huang. My teacher, mentor, inspiration.
Enjoy!
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“Wise people breathe from deep within them,
Whereas, most people breathe from their throat.”
- Chuang Tzu
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Shibashi : Eighteen Postures Tai Ji Qi Gong
Qi Gong relates to practices which work to support and enhance the flow of vital energy.
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QI GONG (CHI KUNG):
The science and art of cultivating this vital life force energy. Developing awareness of the flow of Chi in the body has powerful implications in the prevention, and healing of dis-ease of body and mind.
The particular form I teach is based on the Tai Chi form. The movements are easy to learn, yet profound in their effect, helping to combat stress, prevent disease and promote optimum health and fitness. This is very satisfying way to exercise the body while simultaneously relaxing the mind, enhancing performance in work and leisure.
This is a method of exercise that teaches us, through gentle, easily learned movements, to breathe more fully and freely. Since oxygen is the essential fuel of life, it may be quickly grasped that ‘everything’ works better when infused with it.
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When we do these exercises it is literally a way of ‘re-membering’ (putting back together into one, integrated whole) our disparate parts, accessing our essential nature.
Qi Gong reminds us that we are connected to (and supported by) everything else.
“When we try to pick out anything by itself
we find it hitched to everything else in the universe”.
The following are some examples of the latest research being conducted in both Asia and the West into the efficacy of Shiatsu for treating a broad range of conditions.
Efficacy of Shiatsu
A recent literature review of 66 randomised clinical trials published before April 2005 concluded that acupressure and Shiatsu are an effective form of treatment for a variety of conditions including: labour pain, morning sickness, menstrual pain, sleep quality, low back pain, depression, enuresis, gastrointestinal motility, asthma, motion sickness, cardiovascular function, post-operative issues of pain, vomiting and intestinal function. Although most of reviewed trials were small, many demonstrated statistically significant effects.
Cochrane database System Review. 2006 Oct 18: (4): CD003521
Lower Back Pain
Acupressure was shown to be effective in reducing low back pain. A recent randomised, controlled, longitudinal trial was conducted at the Institute of Preventive Medicine, Taiwan and reported in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).
The trial evaluated the effectiveness of acupressure in terms of disability, pain, and functional status. 129 participants with chronic low back pain attended the Orthopedic clinic in Kaohsiung, Taipei, where they received acupressure or physical therapy for one month. The main outcome measure was Roland and Morris disability questionnaire, administered at baseline, after treatment, and at six-month follow-up. The mean total score was significantly lower in the acupressure group than in the physical therapy after treatment. Acupressure conferred an 89% reduction in significant disability compared with physical therapy. The improvement in disability score in the acupressure group compared with the physical group remained at six-month follow-up. Statistically significant differences between two groups were found for all six domains of the core outcome, pain visual scale, and modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability questionnaire after treatment and at six-month follow-up. The researchers concluded that the acupressure was an effective treatment for low back pain with sustained effects over 6 months.
Hsieh LL., et al (2006). Treatment of low back pain by acupressure and physical therapy: randomised controlled trial. British Medical Journal. 25;332(7543):696-700.
Primary Dysmenorrhoea
A recent trial at the College of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan evaluated the efficacy of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point for primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological disorder among adolescents. Sixty-nine female participants with no prior history of gynecological disease or secondary dysmenorrhea and with a pain score above 5 on a visual analogue scale (scale range 0-10) took part in the trial. Thirty-five participants received acupressure, while 34 participants rested for 20 minutes. Fifty participants (30 experimental, 20 control) completed the 4- and 6-week follow-up sessions. Five instruments were used pre- and post-treatment at each session: (1) Visual Analogue Scale for pain; (2) the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire; (3) the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire; (4) the Visual Analogue Scale for anxiety; and (5), for the experimental group only, the Acupressure Self-Assessment Form. After the initial session, the acupressure reduced the pain and anxiety typical of dysmenorrhea. After the self-treatment follow-up session, the acupressure significantly reduced menstrual pain but not anxiety. Thirty-one (87%) of the 35 experimental participants reported that acupressure was helpful, and 33 (94%) were satisfied with effects of acupressure in relieving the pain and providing psychological support for dysmenorrhea. The findings suggest that acupressure at Sanyinjiao point can be an effective, cost-free intervention for reducing pain and anxiety during dysmenorrhea, and could be recommended for self-care of primary dysmenorrhea.
Chen HM and Chen CM. (2004). Effects of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point on primary dysmenorrhoea. Journal of Advanced N.48(4):380-7.
The following is an extract from the U.K. Shiatsu Society’s website.
See “Links” in the sidebar to access the full website.
Every Shiatsu practitioner has first-hand experience of the wonders of Shiatsu and how people who have received Shiatsu have benefited from it. Sometimes a Shiatsu client may simply report how they slept better after receiving Shiatsu or really enjoy just having some time “just for me”. However, Shiatsu is a holistic therapy and sometimes it can bring about dramatic change that other less holistic medicine cannot. This is when the miracle of the body’s healing processes can be witnessed and what follows are a small selection of some experiences of Shiatsu practitioners and receivers.
“My neck is 10 times better than when I went to the osteopath. After treatment it used to revert after a couple of days, shiatsu lasts much longer.” Alex Green, School Teacher, Warwick.
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Research
The Systematic Evidence Review for Shiatsu
The Systematic Evidence Review for Shiatsu has now been published. This Review was commissioned by the Shiatsu Society from the Centre for Complementary Healthcare and Integrated Medicine at Thames Valley University.
The Review critically appraises 5 scientific trials of Shiatsu and 41 trials of Acupressure, and details over 200 other trials in its appendices.
The Shiatsu studies provide very limited evidence on a diverse range of health issues (angina, low back pain, fibromyalgia, chemotherapy side effects/anxiety and inducing labour).
Studies on acupressure provided fairly strong evidence for its use in the treatment of pain. Evidence for acupressure for nausea and vomiting was inconsistent, with the strongest evidence for post-operative nausea. Weak evidence for renal symptoms and COPD/asthma was found. The remaining acupressure studies provided evidence of variable quality on psycho-social health issues and consciousness/anaesthesia.
Shiatsu is a sophisticated and subtle form of body therapy from Japan
A natural approach in the creation of vibrant mind/body health.
Natural Health Matters: Robin Grant, B.A., R.S.T : . . . . . . Skilled hands, a caring heart, and more than 20 years of inspired, passionate service ……Here for You.
