Shiatsu is a healing touch therapy that originated in Japan from Chinese influences of Buddhism, in the 5th century. From this came an influx of Chinese medicine, culture and philosophy. The Japanese took two Chinese therapies namely massage and acupuncture, and developed Shiatsu. Shiatsu means 'finger pressure' in Japanese and is the word within the Pegasus horse logo, above.
The technique of Shiatsu has evolved as a Japanese bodywork therapy based on pressure and stretches, and is as popular in that country now as it has ever been. It works on the same points that needles stimulate in acupuncture, but Shiatsu only uses pressure from hands, fingers and elbows to create the stimulus that is needed.
One of the great things about Shiatsu is that with the most basic knowledge, anyone can use it. We all have the ability to heal through touch. How often have you been comforted through a hug? Parents reassure their child through touch. Even with British reserve, we will reach out to touch a person who is suffering. These are primitive instincts coming to the fore.
Shiatsu works on two levels:
1 - on a physiological level. Touching the skin, which is the body's largest organ, also touches the underlying nerves. The nerves at specific points around the body releases the body's own pain-dampening hormones and endorphins and this can have a calming effect, giving relief from stress and tension. Pressure and stretches over the body can give a positive effect on the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems, improving blood flow and vitality, and a positive effect on the major organs.
2 - on a spiritual level. The principles of Shiatsu are based on the belief that energy flows through the body on a specific network of channels called meridians. When a wound heals, the body's own energy is achieving this. Energy should be free- flowing, but stress and illness can cause the meridians to become blocked so the natural healing ability is restricted. In the same way, if the energy is not flowing as it should throughout the body, general well being and mental attitudes can be compromised.
Since energy exists in all living beings, Shiatsu is as effective in animals as it is in humans. Horses seem to have an instinctive understanding of the benefit of touch and after just one or two Shiatsu treatments, even with a gap between of several months, most horses recognise the Shiatsu touch and welcome further treatments. An experienced receiver horse of Shiatsu will offer the part of the body they want treating - then you know you have communication with the horse!
To summarise then, Shiatsu promotes the body's own healing ability through non invasive techniques of touch, stretch and massage which, when given in a sensitive manner will give as much pleasure to the horse as it does to the watching owner.