SHIATSU
WHY SHIATSU:
When looking at ways of treating our horses and keeping them healthy I was interested in systems that not only could be reactive as is most allopathic treatment but that would also be preventative. In keeping with my commitment to holistic management, this therapy gently rebalances the meridians and the flow of energy, treating the blockages that could cause changes not only in personality but also in the physical.
It is a soothing relaxing treatment that has shown to have profound results not only for maintaining health but also for a range of behavioural and physical issues. I often leave shiatsu exercises with my behaviour clients and the feedback is always overwhelmingly positive.
WHAT IS SHIATSU: Shiatsu is a sister therapy to acupuncture. Broken down the word Shiatsu means finger (shi) pressure (atsu). Shiatsu was originally used only for treating humans often as a preventative therapy (practitioners were paid as long as their clients were healthy and not when their clients fell sick). This therapy has since evolved over the last ten years to treat animals; pioneering practitioners include Pamela Hannay. It is a truly holistic approach that considers and treats the mind, body and soul.
Most of us are familiar with Yin and Yang. These plays an all-important role in the make up and balance of health and personality in both human and animal as does the 5 element theory.
Horses can be characterised by their type according to the 5 elements (much like a star sign); wood, fire, earth, metal and water (click on each to see which type of horse yours may be). In addition to this the meridians also relate to the 5 elements. As an example if you were treating the heart meridian you would be treating a Yin area that is Fire energy. So as with human patients it is possible to rebalance the 5 elements for optimal well-being.
Horses can be Yin or Yang types and treatment can be adjusted accordingly i.e., a Yin horse can be delicate and sensitive and so treatment would have to be tailored to consider their sensitivity. A Yang horse may seem to be completely happy with whatever you do, but according to the laws of Yin and Yang there are always elements of one in the other and therefore it is possible to have a Yang horse with the emotional characteristics of a Yin horse and visa versa.
People and animals are treated by applying appropriate pressure along meridians, which are lines that run through the body facilitating the flow of chi (energy / life force). In addition to this there are points located over the body, which are also used by acupuncture and shiatsu practitioners, each point has indications and benefits. Energy must flow feely for the body to be in harmony, blockages can occur which the practitioner must release by working the appropriate meridians. Each meridian has a function and is named and work on each meridian can have a variety of benefits and treat a variety of problems.
The practitioner uses his /her body to perform the treatment, rather than crude pulling and pushing. The practitioner will take the movement and direct it by gently shifting the emphasis of their own position and weight, this ensures that the treatment is non invasive. The therapist will use their own body in various ways and treatment can be given by hands, arms, feet, i.e., fingers or the palm may be used to direct pressure but the practitioner may also use her torso to help the horse with a stretch.
It is well known that touch itself is a healing tool. Touch can release endorphins and hormones and any person that that takes time and is sensitive can do well by applying touch to people and animals. A therapy such as shiatsu builds on this natural ability and teaches us how and where to direct or stimulate energy. Horses particularly are very sensitive to touch and will often actively participate in the session, leaning into you for extra pressure or moving so your hands go where they need work, they themselves know what is good for them and so it is valuable to listen closely to their reactions.
