Chronic pain is pain that has lasted for over 6 months. It can cause inactivity, weakness and inflexibility of the muscles. The body cannot circulate blood and dispose of toxic waste effectively. Cancer, fibromyalgia and arthritis, spinal injuries, headaches, and nerve damage can cause chronic pain. This differs from the acute pain that results from immediate trauma or a condition that warns the body that something is awry. In effect there is no function for chronic pain; it has long served its purpose for warning.
Pain is perceived differently by each individual. Factors that can influence perception include: emotional and mental attitudes, previous experiences, and developmental predispositions. It can be frustrating for those who suffer from chronic pain where there is no physical explanation. Their pain is real and it important for the therapist to recognize this.
Fatigue can be a result of chronic pain or vice versa. Usually fatigue and chronic pain are felt together. Poor diet/lifestyle, medication, excess mental stress and illness are contributing factors. Fatigue can be felt physically through headaches, malaise and insomnia. Also psychologically through poor memory, fogginess, anxiety, frustration and depression. These symptoms can make it difficult for people to live their daily life normally. They can also lead to dependencies on medication or even on people.
Shiatsu addresses both the physical and psychologically aspects of chronic pain and fatigue. In the traditional sense, shiatsu brings the body into balance. Pain is the blockage of Ki (vital energy) and shiatsu moves this blockage so Ki can circulate uninhibited. When Ki circulates it enables the body to perform all its necessary functions for good health. For more information: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_9_36/ai_n16765893
From a Western perspective, shiatsu treats the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) which controls the body's internal state. It is responsible for unconscious activities such as: digestion, heart rate, respiration, etc. The PNS promotes the calming and relaxing the body and mind. When the PNS is stimulated healing begins. This is an important aspect in the treatment of chronic pain and fatigue.
My shiatsu treatments always involve your participation in treatment planning. Together we discuss the location of pain, triggers, what aggravates or relieves it. We go over your daily routines: sleep, diet, work habits, etc., and make changes. Energy can improve significantly and can be immediate. Shiatsu treatments plus lifestyle changes - the results can be amazing!
Please feel free to contact me anytime. I would love to hear from you.
