Shiatsu and Cancer

Shiatsu and its ‘cousin’ acupressure has been shown to ease the discomfort and improve the quality of life of many cancer patients.

In my own practice over many years I have found that shiatsu massage -carefully applied can work wonders for people with serious illnesses.

If you or a loved one are facing these challenges including end of life issues- call London Shiatsu today to arrange a consultation about how shiatsu massage can help you.

1. Shin YH, Kim TI, Shin MS, Juon HS. Effect of Acupressure on Nausea and Vomiting During Chemotherapy Cycle for Korean Post-Operative Cancer Patients. Cancer Nursing, 2004; 27(4):267-74.

Despite the development of effective antiemetic drugs, nausea and vomiting remain the main side effects associated with cancer chemotherapy.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of acupressure on emesis control in postoperative gastric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Forty postoperative gastric cancer patients receiving the first cycle of chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil were divided into control and intervention groups (n=20 each).

Both groups received regular antiemesis medication; however, the intervention group received acupressure training and was instructed to perform the finger acupressure manoeuvre for 5 minutes on P6 (Nei-Guan) point located at 3-finger widths up from the first palmar crease, between palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons point, at least 3 times a day before chemotherapy and mealtimes or based on their needs. Both groups received equally frequent nursing visits and consultations, and reported nausea and vomiting using Rhode’s Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching.

We found significant differences between intervention and control groups in the severity of nausea and vomiting, the duration of nausea, and frequency of vomiting.

This study suggests that acupressure on P6 point appears to be an effective adjunct maneuver in the course of emesis control.

2. Tsay SL, Rong JR, Lin PF. Acupoints Massage in Improving the Quality of Sleep and Quality of Life in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2003; 42 (2):134-42.

METHODS: The study was a randomized control trial. A total of 98 end-stage renal disease patients with sleep disturbances were randomly assigned into an acupressure group, a sham acupressure group, and a control group.

Acupressure and sham acupressure group patients received acupoints or no acupoints massage three times a week during haemodialysis treatment for a total of 4 weeks.

The measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Sleep Log, and the Medical Outcome Study – Short Form 36. FINDINGS: The results indicated significant differences between the acupressure group and the control group in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index subscale scores of subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep sufficiency, and global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Sleep log data revealed that the acupressure group significantly decreased wake time and experienced an improved quality of sleep at night over the control group. Medical Outcome Study – Short Form 36 data also documented that acupressure group patients experienced significantly improved quality of life.

CONCLUSION: This study supports the effectiveness of acupoints massage in improving the quality of sleep and life quality of end-stage renal disease patients, and offers a noninvasive therapy for sleep-disturbed patients

3. Cheesman S, Christian R, Cresswell J Exploring the Value of Shiatsu in Palliative Care Day Services. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 2001; 7 (5):234-9

This qualitative study sought to evaluate the effects of shiatsu therapy on clients attending hospice day services.

Eleven clients with advanced progressive disease received five therapy sessions each at weekly intervals. Data about the effects was collected through five unstructured interviews with each client. Four of these were conducted before, during, and shortly after the therapy regime, and the fifth was undertaken four weeks after treatment ended.

All the interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and subject to content analysis. The results of the analysis revealed significant improvements in energy levels, relaxation, confidence, symptom control, clarity of though