Shiatsu is a Japanese form of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM) derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine using deep pressure on the paths of the postulated acupuncture meridians. Clinical observations on this topic are said to be encouraging, especially for the treatment of sleep and conduct disorders, but there is a lack of empirical data.
The objective of this study was to examine the possible therapeutic effects of shiatsu in a clinical population of children treated in child and adolescent psychiatry. It was designed as a qualitative descriptive and non-interventional study, conducted on children treated in day-care hospital units and outpatient clinical settings. Shiatsu was administered, at least during 3 sessions, to children with an autism spectrum disorder or other disorders according to ICD-11 criteria (such as conduct disorders with impulsivity or attention deficit).
The evaluation was performed by two independent researchers (a child psychiatrist and a psychologist who were not the caregivers) based on direct observation of children during the shiatsu sessions, combined with semi-structured non-inductive interviews with their parents, and data collected from focus groups conducted with the children’s caregivers. A phenomenological interpretive analysis (IPA) approach with Nvivo coding software was used to analyze the data.
Based on semi-structured interviews with 13 parents cross-referenced with data from 2 focus groups and direct observations of 7 children during 2 full shiatsu sessions for each observation, the results show that shiatsu has positive effects on
- internal tension (a relief effect, notably on aggressive behaviors directed against others or self),
- sleep (including improvement of sleep quality),
- social interaction,
- attention,
- verbalization of affects and traumatic memories of early childhood,
- perception of bodily limits.
As these children had several other treatments as well, it cannot be proved that the positive effects observed in this study are related specifically to shiatsu practice. Shiatsu may participate and facilitate the effects of other treatments. It is noteworthy that most of the children came willingly to the shiatsu sessions, ask their parents to repeat the shiatsu sessions at home, and indicate to the practitioner, from one session to the next, their elective body points where they wish to receive the application of shiatsu.
The authors concluded that the findings suggest therapeutic benefits of shiatsu, especially on externalize violence with a relief of aggressive behavior directed against others or self (knowing, moreover, that internal tension, sleep disorders and non-verbalization of affects or traumatic memories, all improved by shiatsu, are also all risk factors for externalize violence). These results highlight, therefore, the need to develop a daily practice of shiatsu in child and adolescent psychiatry. Further research is required to clarify the effects of shiatsu and ascertain better its underlying mechanisms based on this exploratory pilot study.
I do appreciate that, with a treatment that has not been submitted to many controlled clinical trials, researchers feel that they have to start from scratch, e.g. simple observations. However, they also must realize that their observations do not lend themselves to firm conclusions about the effects of the treatment. In the present case, the researchers do seem to be aware of this caveat but nevertheless make statements that go way beyond of what is warranted:
- the results show that shiatsu has positive effects on …
- Shiatsu may participate and facilitate the effects of other treatments
- the findings suggest therapeutic benefits of shiatsu, especially on externalize violence
- These results highlight, therefore, the need to develop a daily practice of shiatsu in child and adolescent psychiatry
I fear that these statements are not merely exaggerated but suspect they are also untrue. Testing them in properly controlled clinical trials would show whether my suspicion is correct. Meanwhile, I would like to remind
- researchers,
- reviewers,
- and journal editors
of their duty to be truthful and not mislead the public.
14 Responses to Shiatsu has positive effects on internal tension, sleep, social interaction, attention, etc. – true or false?
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I had one experience with shiatsu that was very interesting. All my life from the age of 12, I had played tennis with mediocre results because I would slightly mis-hit the ball – not hitting the sweet spot of the racquet.
At the age of 28, I had a shiatsu session and it so happened I was planning to play tennis afterwards. During that tennis session I consistently hit the sweet spot; I couldnt mis-hit the ball at all! The power of my shots doubled. It was phenomenal. Up until that point I didnt know there was a different experience of playing tennis. I assumed that the way I hit the ball was the way it was done.
if only Djokovic knew!!!
I know what you mean, ‘stan’.
Like you, I had one experience with shiatsu that was very interesting. All my life from the age of 12, I had played rock throwing, with mediocre results because I would slightly mis-throw the rocks.
At the age of 28, I had a shiatsu session and it so happened I was planning to play rock throwing afterwards. During that throwing session I consistently hit my target; I couldn’t miss the target at all! The power of my throws ramped up. It was phenomenal. Up until that point I didnt know there was a different experience of playing rock throwing. I set myself a formidable challenge: choosing Jupiter as the target.
However, unlike you, ‘stan’, I heed the red banner:
Please remember: if you make a claim in a comment, support it with evidence.
My rock was “discovered” by astronomers Carolyn and Eugene M. Shoemaker and David Levy in 1993; named Comet Shoemaker–Levy 9; and it collided with Jupiter in July 1994.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_Shoemaker%E2%80%93Levy_9
So effective was my one experience with shiatsu that I have been banned from throwing rocks at astronomical targets.
My personal experience with Shiatsu is that it is effective, as is Reflexology and Paida Lajin, but only temporarily. The therapy must be reapplied over and over to gain a benefit. So temporary yes, just as many of the prescribed pain relievers MD’s push are temporary also.
A friend spent years studying shiatsu and has been practising for about a year. She takes it, and related woo, very seriously and in one sense I can see why. There is a lot to study, it no doubt feels like a real body of knowledge, gives a sense of purpose and was clearly very absorbing. You could say the same about alchemy.
She eventually persuaded me to let her treat me for my leg problems ( probably PMR ) despite being aware I think it’s nonsense. It was pleasant and relaxing – why wouldn’t it be, resting on a comfortable mat while someone you like and trust makes a fuss of you. And totally ineffective of course. Afterwards I limped home knowing that at least she felt better.
The PMR if that’s what it is is now responding to steroids.
RG,
Do you have investments in companies that provide Shiatsu and Reflexology services?
You mentioned here: https://edzardernst.com/2022/10/my-interview-for-lexpress-homeopathy-is-implausible-but-energy-healing-takes-the-biscuit/#comment-141572 that you made a lot of money investing in big pharma, regardless of how much you hate big pharma. They make money because their products provide temporary relief and people will have to purchase them again and again.
Paida Lajin might not be a good investment opportunity. However, it would be very funny to see you slap yourself repeatedly. Post some YT video of yourself administering Paida Lajin, will you?
I have no plans to invest in Paida Lajin or Reflexology, I’ve never paid anything for it, that’s the beauty of it, no harm done and no cost. How great is that ! Even IF the benefit is only a placebo effect, that’s better than evidence-based medicine that does harm.
I wouldn’t know where to begin investing, I’ll leave that to you, you’re so clever.
As for posting on YT, I’ve never done so, and have no plans to begin now.
RG says:
https://edzardernst.com/2022/10/my-interview-for-lexpress-homeopathy-is-implausible-but-energy-healing-takes-the-biscuit/#comment-141572
Even though you think big pharma does harm, you don’t have a problem investing in them. You don’t care about anything else as long as you get your cut of big pharma profits. Except, you love to cry crocodile tears about how big pharma is harming people.
@Talker
Exactly, thanks for retrieving my comments for me. I stand by my statements.
Look, somebody is going to make the money, the corporations or their shareholders. I may as well be included in reaping the rewards if I so choose. Those Pharmas did their damages to me via toxic meds. I have a right to get back from them what they took from me. I’m just doing it my way instead of taking them to court.
RG,
Great nuggets of wisdom. I have taken a page from your book and invested in the mob. They recently broke my legs; therefore, I invested in the mob to get back at them. Doesn’t matter if my money helps the mob become more powerful. As long as I get a kick back, I am perfectly fine with them breaking other people’s legs.
@Talker
No Talker, YOU are the one that is OK with them “breaking other people’s legs”, YOU approve of pharma’s BS antics, I don’t. I alert people every chance I get to inform friends, family and acquaintances of the pitfalls and damages of synthetic meds. The dark side of Pfizer and Merck (among others). I’ve done the same here for the past four years. I surely don’t subscribe to their scripts, but I suspect that you do.
Like I already said, Pharma is paying me back for damages previously done to me (irreversible damages). The “mob” will make their profits with or without my repayment.
RG says:
Elsewhere RG says:
Didn’t know you are this delusional, but you already implied that you admire them for their antics and that is the reason why you invest.
You warn people about big pharma on a blog dedicated to SCAM? ROFL @RG
They are not just handing you money, are they RG? They are making a tidy profit off your investment and throwing you a bone. The big pharma profit making process involves manufacturing, marketing, and selling more drugs, which you strongly believe are harming people. What you are implying is that you don’t care what happens to others as long as you make a profit. You can croak all you want about your misinformed and delusional beliefs reg. big pharma products; we both know you are not going to make any difference.
That shovel you are using is getting worn out. You should buy a new one with the profits you made from your big pharma investments.
@Talker
Spin it how you like. I’ll keep doing what works for me.
Staying away from synthetic meds as much as possible, seeking out and useful alternative therapies. Warning others of the dangers of big pharma, and investing in stocks I think are profitable.
Have a nice day…. professor.
course this is a free country, RG. Do and say whatever you like. Same applies to me and I choose to point out the asininity of your statements.
You got me, Listener! 😉