Is Shiatsu complementary or alternative?
Shiatsu is complementary to mainstream Western medicine, not an alternative to it. It is worth listing here the most common syndromes which may be amenable to treatment by Shiatsu. These include: headaches, migraine, stiff necks and shoulders, backaches, coughs, colds, menstrual problems, respiratory illnesses including asthma and bronchitis, sinus trouble and catarrh, insomnia, tension, anxiety and depression, fatigue and weakness, digestive disorders and bowel trouble, circulatory problems, rheumatic and arthritic complaints, sciatica and conditions following sprains and injuries. Treatment of all these conditions will be given according to Oriental diagnosis, though it is always important that the modern Western diagnosis is confirmed and considered as well. However, for acute, localised problems such as appendicitis, broken bones or a heart attack, you should call an ambulance, not your Shiatsu practitioner. Both Shiatsu and Western medicine have important roles to play, and if you
