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Other common
names: acupressure, Tui Na, Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu®,
Watsu®
Scientific/medical
names: none
Description
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).
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 also uses pressure on acupoints, and Ohashiatsu and Watsu are
based on the practice of Shiatsu.
Overview
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 patients.There is
some evidence from studies with cancer patients that acupressure may be
helpful in reducing early nausea related to chemotherapy. 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?
According to the theories and teachings of traditional Chinese
medicine explain that acupoints lie along invisible meridians. There
are said to be twelve major meridians in the human body. These
meridians are purported to be channels for the 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. Some supporters claim 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 is caused by other factors, such as the
stimulation of endorphin production. Endorphins are natural substances
made by the body that help relieve pain.
What does it involve?
All Asian bodywork uses pressure, soft tissue manipulation,
and other techniques to stimulate the acupoints and energy meridians
described in traditional Chinese medicine with the goal of balancing
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 acupoints
along 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.
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.
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.
Tui Na
Tui na is an older Chinese technique that uses pressure on
acupuncture points (acupoints) along with other methods.Tui na has its
roots in ancient Chinese medicine and may actually predate the popular
practice of acupuncture. Tui na uses the theory of qi described above.
Practitioners attempt to free these energy pathways through 13 basic
hand massage techniques which include manual pushing, pressing,
kneading, pulling, rolling, and other manual techniques on the skin and
soft tissue. Practitioners often target the muscles on either side of
the spine.
Ohashiatsu
Ohashiatsu is based on the practice of shiatsu. Supporters
claim it can 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 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 recipient 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.
What is the history behind it?
Acupressure was used in China as early as 2000 BC. 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.
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 officially recognized by the Japanese government in
1955. Shiatsu has numerous subtypes and continues to develop.
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 for health maintenance and
to treat pain and illness. It has been practiced for about four
thousand years and is used most commonly in Chinese-American
communities.
Ohashiatsu was developed in 1974 by a man named Ohashi,
shortly after he learned shiatsu. He incorporated the energy principles
of shiatsu, with with an increased 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 himself or herself as well as the
recipientof 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
shiatsu was practiced in a warm pool, this helped to support the joints
and led to greater relaxation.
What is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does not support use of Asian
bodywork to treat cancer.
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. Some people who have 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 evidence is
individual or based on very small research studies. Evidence supporting
the use of Asian bodywork by cancer patients and survivors comes mainly
from anecdotal reports and is related to symptom management and quality
of life.
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.
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 about the use of Asian bodywork for people who
have cancer is that 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 could be cancerous until this question is clearly
answered.
Deep pressure and vigorous bodywork should be avoided during
times of active treatment for cancer. People who have cancer that has
spread to the bone 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 who have 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 safely.
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 who have 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. Relying on this treatment alone and
delaying or avoiding conventional medical care for cancer may have
serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Aetna InteliHealth. Acupressure, Shiatsu, Tuina. Accessed at:
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/8513/34968/358869.html?d=dmtContent
on May 30, 2008.
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. 2001:9-16.
Canadian Shiatsu Society of British Columbia. About Shiatsu.
Accessed at: http://www.shiatsupractor.org/aboutshiatsu.html on May 30,
2008.
Dibble SL, Chapman J, Mack KA, Shih AS. Acupressure for
nausea: results of a pilot study. Ocol
Nurs Forum. 2000;27:1-12.
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): CD002285.
Kirk L. A Brief History of Shiatsu. Shiatsu Therapy
Association of British Columbia. Accessed at:
http://www.shiatsutherapy.ca/shiatsuhistory.htm on May 30, 2008.
MD Anderson Cancer Center. Manipulative and body-based
methods: Massage and related bodywork detailed scientific review.
Reviews of Therapies. Accessed at:
www.mdanderson.org/departments/CIMER/index.cfm on June 2, 2008.
National Institutes of Health/National Center for
Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Massage Therapy as CAM. NCCAM
Backgrounder, 2006. Accessed at: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/
on June 2, 2008.
Ohashi Institute. What is Ohashiatsu? Accessed at:
www.ohashiatsu.org on May 30, 2008.
Rosser RJ. Sentinel lymph nodes and postinjection massage: It
is premature to reject caution. J
Am Coll Surg. 2001; 193:338.
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;27:267-274.
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.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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