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Other common names:
acupressure, Tui Na, Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu®, Watsu®
Scientific/medical names:
none
DESCRIPTION
Acupressure is a form of bodywork based on the Chinese
principles of acupuncture (see Acupuncture).
It uses touch or pressure
rather than needles. Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork practice that uses
acupressure. Tui Na is an older Chinese technique that uses pressure on
acupuncture points (acupoints) along with other methods.
Bodywork refers to a variety of techniques that touch,
manipulate, or otherwise work on the body. Massage and non-Asian types
of bodywork are addressed separately (see Bodywork,
Massage).
OVERVIEW
There is some evidence from studies with cancer patients that
acupressure may be helpful in reducing early nausea related to
chemotherapy. Available scientific evidence does not suggest
acupressure and other types of Asian bodywork are effective in treating
cancer, but they may be used to enhance quality of life for some. Many
forms of bodywork may have the potential to help relieve pain and
reduce stress, even though the effectiveness of these techniques has
not yet been proven scientifically.
How is it promoted for use?
The theory and teachings of traditional Chinese medicine
explain that acupoints lie along invisible meridians. These meridians
are said to be channels for the flow of vital energy or life force
called qi (also spelled ch’i or ki, pronounced "chee" or "kee") that is
present in all living things. Meridians also represent an internal
system of communication that is supposed to connect specific organs or
networks of organs. There are said to be 12 major meridians in the
human body. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, illness
may occur when the energy flow along one or more meridians is blocked
or out of balance. Acupressure and other elements of Asian bodywork
have the goal of restoring health and balance to the energy flow. There
are claims that acupressure can be used to treat the body, mind,
emotions, energy field, and spirit.
Some practitioners in the West reject the traditional
philosophies of Chinese medicine, believing that any relief given by
acupressure and acupuncture (see Acupuncture)
is caused by other
factors, such as stimulating the production of endorphins in the body.
These are natural substances made by the body which help relieve pain.
What does it involve?
Asian bodywork uses pressure, soft tissue manipulation, and
other techniques to stimulate the acupoints and energy meridians
described in traditional Chinese medicine to balance energy flow in the
body.
Acupressure
Acupressure, also called pressure acupuncture, uses
principles of acupuncture based on Chinese medicine. Practitioners use
fingers or other body parts and devices to contact or apply pressure to
the acupoints of the body. Acupressure may also involve stretching,
massage, and other methods to balance and restore energy flow in the
body. Some people consider acupressure to be a form of acupuncture
without needles. There are many different types of acupressure.
Tui Na
Tui Na has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine and may actually
predate the popular practice of acupuncture. Tui Na uses the same
theory of qi as acupuncture. Practitioners attempt to free these energy
pathways through 13 basic hand massage techniques that include manual
pushing, pressing, kneading, pulling, rolling, and other manual
techniques on the skin and soft tissue. Practitioners often target and
treat the muscles that exist on either side of the spine with this
technique.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese word that literally means "finger
pressure." The goal is to improve the body's ability to heal itself and
to promote overall health through balancing the flow of qi. Shiatsu
consists of touching or pressing on acupoints and energy meridians (see
Acupuncture).
Pressure on these vital points is intended to stretch and open
pathways for the body's flow of qi. There are a number of subtypes of
shiatsu, some of which focus on the use of stretching, special
breathing techniques, meditation, and other practices.
Ohashiatsu®
Ohashiatsu® is based on the practice of shiatsu, and claims
to
be able achieve balance and harmony by altering the flow of vital
energy through the body rather than focusing on any one area. Promoters
say it is a "step up" from shiatsu because it offers a more
complete experience of healing and personal growth. According to its
followers, successful Ohashiatsu® sessions depend not only on the
technical skill of the practitioner, but also on the feelings of
compassion and empathy the practitioner is able to convey. A connection
between the giver and receiver of this type of therapy is said to be
important to the effectiveness of this practice. Ohashiatsu® may also
use exercise and meditation to induce a feeling of inner harmony and
peace.
Watsu®
Watsu®, also known as water shiatsu or aquatic shiatsu, is a
form of bodywork that is practiced in warm water. A practitioner
stretches, cradles, and massages clients while holding them afloat. The
goal of Watsu is to achieve a feeling of peace and to
release emotional and physical blockages of the body's energy
pathways. Promoters believe that being held and massaged in
the water brings the receiver to a deep level of connection and trust,
while the warmth of the water brings benefits such as greater freedom
of movement. Proponents claim it can speed both physical and emotional
healing processes, although available scientific evidence does not
support its use for treating disease (see Bodywork,
Hydrotherapy,
and Massage).
What is the history behind it?
Acupressure was used in China as early as 2000 B.C. Based on
traditional Chinese medicine, it is widely practiced throughout Asia
for relaxation, wellness, and treatment of disease. It uses the same
energy meridians and acupoints as acupuncture.
Tui na is Chinese for "pushing and pulling." It uses
acupressure points and emphasizes soft tissue work and realignment. Tui
na is a traditional Chinese technique used to treat pain and illness,
as well as for health maintenance. It has been practiced for about 4000
years, and is more often used in Chinese-American communities.
Shiatsu came from Japan, but grew out of Tui Na and
traditional Chinese massage techniques. It was given the name Shiatsu
in the early 20th century to distinguish it from older Japanese massage
techniques. It was recognized by the Japanese Ministry of Health in
1955. Shiatsu has numerous subtypes and continues to develop.
Ohashiatsu® was developed in 1974 by a man named Ohashi,
shortly after he learned shiatsu. He incorporated the energy principles
of shiatsu, with more emphasis on balancing the body through seitai, a
type of stretching. He proposed that the practitioner (the giver of the
massage) should be in a state of meditation while working, in order to
energize the giver as well as the receiver of the massage. Ohashiatsu®
calls itself the "touch for peace."
Watsu® (also called aquatic shiatsu) was developed about 30
years ago by Harold Dull, who taught Zen Shiatsu. He noted that when
shiastsu was practiced in a warm pool, this helped to support the
joints and lead to greater relaxation.
What is the evidence?
The evidence supporting the use of Asian bodywork by cancer
patients and survivors is mainly from individual reports (anecdotal),
and is related to symptom management and quality of life. Many people
who undergo one or more forms of Asian bodywork say that they feel more
relaxed or can move with greater ease or less pain. However, available
scientific evidence does not support use of Asian bodywork to treat
cancer.
There is some early evidence from small studies with cancer
patients suggesting acupressure might be helpful in reducing nausea and
vomiting related to chemotherapy. When researchers reviewed these
studies, though, it appeared that acupressure mostly helped the nausea
that happened right after the chemotherapy. The reviewers found that it
did not seem to help with vomiting or delayed symptoms.
Some people with cancer may find that these therapies help to
relieve stress, muscle tightness, and certain symptoms of cancer and
side effects of treatments over the short term, but the evidence is
individual or based on very small research studies. However, very
little scientific research has been done to find out what positive
effects these treatments can offer, in part due to the challenges of
setting up controlled clinical trials. More scientific research is
needed to determine the benefits and limitations of acupressure and
other forms of Asian bodywork.
Are there any possible problems
or complications?
One concern for people with cancer is tissue manipulation in
the area of a tumor could increase the risk that cancer cells might
travel to other parts of the body. It may be prudent for cancer
patients to avoid massage near tumors and lumps that may be cancerous
until this question is clearly answered.
Deep pressure and vigorous bodywork should be avoided during
times of active treatment for cancer. People with cancer that has
spread to the bones or who have fragile bones should avoid physical
manipulation or deep pressure because of the risk of fracture. Bodywork
should be provided by a trained professional with expertise in working
safely with people with cancer and with cancer survivors. Generally,
gentle massage and bodywork can be adapted to meet the needs of cancer
patients. Patients and caregivers can also be taught to safely use some
acupressure techniques.
People with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer that has spread to
the bone, spine injuries, osteoporosis or other bone diseases that
could be worsened by physical manipulation should avoid methods that
involve body manipulation. People with cancer and chronic conditions,
such as arthritis and heart disease, should talk to their doctors
before having any type of therapy that involves moving joints and
muscles.
People with fevers, infections, seizures, or problems with
bowel control should not use Watsu®.
Additional Resources
More Information From Your
American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. You can also order these
materials through our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Aetna InteliHealth. Acupressure, Shiatsu, Tuina. Available at
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/34968/358869.html?d=dmtContent.
Accessed 3/9/07.
Bass SS, Cox CE, Salud CJ, et al. The effects of postinjection
massage on the sensitivity of lymphatic mapping in breast cancer. J Am Coll Surg.
2001 Jan;192(1):9-16.
Dibble SL, Chapman J, Mack KA, Shih AS. Acupressure for
nausea: results of a pilot study. Ocol
Nurs Forum. 2000;27(1):1-12.
Ezzo JM, Richardson MA, Vickers A., et al. Acupuncture-point
stimulation for chemotherapy-induced nausea or vomiting. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2006 Apr 19;(2).
Kirk L. A Brief History of Shiatsu. Shiatsu Therapy
Association of British Columbia. Available at http://www.shiatsutherapy.ca/shiatsuhistory.htm.
Accessed 12/09/06.
MD Anderson Cancer Center. Manipulative and body-based
methods: Massage and related bodywork detailed scientific review.
Reviews of Therapies. Available at www.mdanderson.org/departments/CIMER/index.cfm.
Accessed 12/09/06.
National Institutes of Health/National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Manipulative and body-based
practices: An overview. NCCAM Backgrounder, 2004. Available at
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/backgrounds/manipulative.htm. Accessed
12/09/06.
Ohashi Institute. What is Ohashiatsu? Available at
www.ohashiatsu.org. Accessed 3/26/07.
Rosser RJ. Sentinel lymph nodes and postinjection massage: It
is premature to reject caution. J Am Coll Surg 2001; 193(3):338.
Shiatsupractors Association of Canada. About Shiatsu.
Available at
http://www.shiatsupractor.org/jsac/aboutshiatsu.htm. Accessed 3/26/07.
Shin YH, Kim TI, Shin MS, J HS. Effect of acupressure on nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy cycle for Korean postoperative stomach cancer patients. Cancer Nursing 2004;27(4):267-274.
Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical situation.
Revised: 05/22/2007
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