Shiatsu Massage Therapy Study

Shiatsu massage therapy is a therapeutic form of Japanese massage. While the techniques used in this therapy are thousands of years old, they were only formulated into what is now know as shiatsu about 100 years ago. This type of Oriental massage therapy is still practiced today in clinics and spas.

Shiatsu is highly respected in Japan and used as complementary medical treatment. In the West, it is largely considered benign at best and as harmful quackery at worst. Though this therapy has existed for many years there has been little scientific research to show its effectiveness.

In 2007, a study was conducted at the University of Leeds on the effects of this therapy. 948 people participated in the study from countries across Europe. The study lasted for 6 months. During this period clients had to answer a number of baseline questions four times during the course of the treatment to measure how well the therapy is working.

The results of the questionnaires showed that immediately after the session most of the people experienced the following positive results.

• more relaxed
• calmer
• more energized
• more able to cope in daily life
• more balanced

12 to 22 percent felt some negative effects that are considered transitioning effects. That means that immediately after treatment they felt worse, but with the passage of time their conditions improved.

3 percent experienced negative side effects that would be considered completely undesirable.

In the long term besides the positive emotional side effects listed above, clients experienced physical side effects too. These included.

• reduction of muscle tension
• reduction of joint tension
• improved posture

Findings showed that the use of shiatsu massage therapy as part of your health maintenance program could lead to a reduced need to use conventional medicine and a reduced number of days missed from work.

Related Articles

Shiatsu-Find out more about the history of this massage and the conditions it can help treat.

Japanese Massage-Learn about different types of massage that originate from Japan.

Oriental Massage-There are many types of Oriental massage that are popular today.