A Study of the Effects of Shiatsu on Pain Management (Bericht von Maria Gryllaki)

Our team included my two shiatsu practitioner colleagues: Marianna Lazana, founding member and current President of the Hellenic Shiatsu Society (HSS); and HSS member Anna Vazirgiatziki, in conjunction with and supervised by three chief anesthesiologists, Erfili Argyra, Athina Vadalouka and Ionna Siafaka, who also teach at the University of Athens Medical School.

Of the 68 patients ranging in age from 30-85 presented by the doctors (and us) to receive shiatsu, I saw 25 (about 300 sessions), Marianna saw 38 (about 240 sessions), and Anna saw 13 patients (about 257 sessions), for a grand total of 797 sessions, with each patient receiving approximately 12 sessions. Psychotherapy, acupuncture and reflexology are also integrated at the pain clinic but were not measured in this study.

All the outpatients we saw were suffering from chronic, nonmalignant-related pain in four major categories. About 80% were on medications, for:

• Myoskeletal problems (fibromyalgia, athletic injuries, deformities, osteoporosis, etc).
• Auto-immune diseases (Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc).
• Neurological diseases (Migraines, post-herpes neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, etc).
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Patients expressed their appreciation for the advice they received from us about regular exercise (breathing, – walking, yoga, stretching, etc.), and nutrition. Relief from secondary problems (intestinal disorders, stress, hormonal imbalances, allergies, and insomnia) was related mainly to shiatsu. Therefore our holistic approach went beyond merely addressing the origin of their chronic pain. Our interaction with the patients was aimed at enhancing their understanding of the nature/etiology of their pain. It helped their self-confidence to realize they had some measure of control over ways in which they could mitigate pain. Additional complications compounding their pain included psychosocial issues like addictions, family problems, financial stress, and mental stress.^[1]Maria Gryllaki, founding member and current Treasurer of the Hellenic Shiatsu Society.

Deutsche Zusammenfassung unter www.shiatsu-austria.at//?p=3573