Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)IN Spain, a recent poll found that 23.6 per cent of the population have used some sort of unconventional medicine.
And steadily growing in popularity across the country is the Japanese massage technique known as shiatsu.
In fact, it is now practised professionally in three European countries, Spain, Austria and the UK.
The practice, translated as finger pressure, relies on the power of hands to stimulate the body’s energy flow.
The fingers-on technique is often used as a complement to conventional medicine and as a preventative, alternative therapy.
It is said that shiatsu was created by Tokujiro Namikoshi-Sensei when he cured his mother of rheumatism in 1912.
Yet, despite its increased recognition, the understanding of why people choose to use alternative therapies and what benefits they get out of their use is still sketchy.
Therefore, Professor Andrew Long, from the University of Leeds, headed an investigation to discover why shiatsu has become so popular.
It emerged that a large proportion – between 39 per cent and 59 per cent of those surveyed – felt shiatsu was a crucial factor in “maintaining their health”.
There is no doubt that the health effect shiatsu has on people’s lives is hugely positive.
Those surveyed also explained that shiatsu was beneficial for their “personal development”.
The positive feedback from Professor Long’s investigation was overwhelming.
The investigation revealed that shiatsu provided much-needed pain relief and that it even empowered users to make significant lifestyle changes.
In fact, many felt compelled to reduce their usage of conventional medicine.
Across all three countries between 84 per cent and 87 per cent of those interviewed felt that shiatsu had been effective in treating their aches, complaints and ailments.
There can be no doubt that the health effect shiatsu has on people’s lives is hugely positive.
Why don’t you change your life and give it a go?
