The
following are some examples of
the latest research being conducted
in both Asia and the West into
the efficacy of Shiatsu for treating
a broad range of conditions.
Efficacy of Shiatsu
A recent literature review of 66 randomised clinical trials published before
April 2005 concluded that acupressure and Shiatsu are an effective form of
treatment for a variety of conditions including: labour pain, morning sickness,
menstrual pain, sleep quality, low back pain, depression, enuresis, gastrointestinal
motility, asthma, motion sickness, cardiovascular function, post-operative
issues of pain, vomiting and intestinal function. Although most of reviewed
trials were small, many demonstrated statistically significant effects.
Cocchrane database System Review. 2006 Oct 18: (4): CD003521
Lower Back Pain
Acupressure was shown to be effective
in reducing low back pain. A recent
randomised, controlled, longitudinal
trial was conducted at the Institute
of Preventive Medicine, Taiwan and
reported in the British Medical Journal
(BMJ).
The trial evaluated the effectiveness of acupressure in terms of disability,
pain, and functional status. 129 participants with chronic low back pain attended
the Orthopedic clinic in Kaohsiung, Taipei, where they received acupressure or
physical therapy for one month. The main outcome measure was Roland and Morris
disability questionnaire, administered at baseline, after treatment, and at six-month
follow-up. The mean total score was significantly lower in the acupressure group
than in the physical therapy after treatment. Acupressure conferred an 89% reduction
in significant disability compared with physical therapy. The improvement in
disability score in the acupressure group compared with the physical group remained
at six-month follow-up. Statistically significant differences between two groups
were found for all six domains of the core outcome, pain visual scale, and modified
Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability questionnaire after treatment and at six-month
follow-up. The researchers concluded that the acupressure was an effective treatment
for low back pain with sustained effects over 6 months.
Hsieh LL., et al (2006). Treatment
of low back pain by acupressure and
physical therapy: randomised controlled
trial. British Medical Journal.
25;332(7543):696-700.
Primary Dysmenorrhoea
A recent trial at the College of
Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
evaluated the efficacy of acupressure
at the Sanyinjiao point for primary
dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. Dysmenorrhea
is the most common gynecological
disorder among adolescents. Sixty-nine
female participants with no prior
history of gynecological disease
or secondary dysmenorrhea and with
a pain score above 5 on a visual
analogue scale (scale range 0-10)
took part in the trial. Thirty-five
participants received acupressure,
while 34 participants rested for
20 minutes. Fifty participants (30
experimental, 20 control) completed
the 4- and 6-week follow-up sessions.
Five instruments were used pre-
and post-treatment at each session:
(1) Visual Analogue Scale for pain;
(2) the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire;
(3) the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire;
(4) the Visual Analogue Scale for
anxiety; and (5), for the experimental
group only, the Acupressure Self-Assessment
Form. After the initial session,
the acupressure reduced the pain
and anxiety typical of dysmenorrhea.
After the self-treatment follow-up
session, the acupressure significantly
reduced menstrual pain but not anxiety.
Thirty-one (87%) of the 35 experimental
participants reported that acupressure
was helpful, and 33 (94%) were satisfied
with effects of acupressure in relieving
the pain and providing psychological
support for dysmenorrhea. The findings
suggest that acupressure at Sanyinjiao
point can be an effective, cost-free
intervention for reducing pain and
anxiety during dysmenorrhea, and
could be recommended for self-care
of primary dysmenorrhea.
Chen HM and Chen CM. (2004). Effects
of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao
point on primary dysmenorrhoea. Journal
of Advanced N.48(4):380-7.
