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Shiatsu for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Shiatsu is a form of Japanese energy massage which mostly works with the same set of chanels used in acupuncture, acupressure and traditional Chinese medicine. Shiatsu is rather like an extended accupressure session. Of course it differs from acupressure in that it covers the whole body and reaches parts you'd struggle to reach yourself, such as your back. Shiatsu cannot be learned in a weekend and most practicioners will have studied part time for several years. An experienced practicioner will use this knowledge to vary the sequence, degree of pressure and emphasis to suit each patient.

Having Shiatsu treatment

The patient lies on a thin matress on the floor, not a massage table which means the practicioner can use his/her body weight to increase pressure where it is needed, often synchronising the pressure with your breathing. Generally it is very relaxing and although some acupoints will be more tender than others, when treating ME/CFS shiatsu practicioners will be more cautious about over-doing it - at least until they know how you've reacted to previous sessions.

Shiatsu - a better massage for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

For M.E Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia I would recommend Shiatsu over Western/Sweedish massage for two reasons. Firstly by working the acupoints it can help restore the balance of your internal energies, and so is a good alternative to acupuncture if you're still unsure about that. Secondly, because it is clearing acupoints it seems unlikely to aggravate muscle soreness and inflamation, which can happen with Western massage which aims to warm up and increase circulation in the muscles. And because it is basically a relaxing treatment to receive you should feel immediately more relaxed, rather than feeling the benefits several days or weeks later.

Costs

As with most therapies the first session will probably be slightly longer so the therapist can get a detailed picture of your condition. Thereafter a session will last around 45 mins. In common with other such therapies the going rate appears to be £25 to £40 per session.

You may find someone who is doing a Shiatsu course offering to practice on you. This could be a good way to get treatment on the cheap, but do discuss your condition with them first. Also have them check with their course tutors that he/she has enough training to treat you, as 'overtreating' could worsen your condition.

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