the effects and experience of shiatsu

Shiatsu has been shown, in just-released research, to result in clients' making positive lifestyle changes. Shiatsu is a popular touch-therapy technique that is a component of Asian bodywork which originated in Japan, involving finger pressure, massage and use of elbows to apply bodywork, A longitudinal, six-months observational, pragmatic study of the effects and experience of shiatsu within three European countries (Austria, Spain and the UK) showed that three-quarters of the study's clients received advice on exercise, diet, posture, points to work on at home or other ways of self-care, according to information published on a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. "At six months follow-up, about four-fifths reported making changes to their lifestyle 'as a result of having shiatsu treatment,' including taking more rest and relaxation or exercise, changing their diet, reducing time at work and other changes such as increased body/mind awareness and levels of confidence and resolve," the researchers noted. "Building on the findings, an explanatory model of possible ways that a CAM therapy could contribute to health promotion is presented to guide future research, both within and beyond CAM," the researchers noted. "Supporting individuals to take control of their self-care requires advice-giving within a supportive treatment context and practitioner relationship, with clients who are open to change and committed to maintaining their health. CAM modalities may have an important role to play in this endeavour." Readers of MASSAGE Magazine may now choose to read the publication in electronic format, and current print subscribers will soon also have access to the digital edition as well as their print editions. The printed version of MASSAGE Magazine will still be mailed to subscribers every month. “Our readers are becoming more technologically savvy, and creating a digital edition was the obvious next step in putting MASSAGE Magazine right at their fingertips," yuiojhfk said Associate Editor of Integrative Media Jennifer Whalen. "Subscribers can enjoy a pleasurable reading experience, and they can access the latest issues whenever and wherever they want.” MASSAGE Magazine has long been a proponent of environmentally sound lifestyle and practice management—the magazine offers a Green Living Resource Center on its website, along with regular articles on this topic—and this addition of an electronic version of the magazine is another step toward serving as a leader in the area of environmental sustainability in the massage field. The digital edition will be available for the discounted rate of $9.95 per year; $17.95 for two years; or $26.95 for three years. For more information, visit and click on the text stating, "New Digital Edition Available Subscribe Now and Start Reading this Issue" found directly below the photo of the issue cover; or click here. “Baby boomers have become increasingly active as they age, and orthopaedic surgeons think this trend will continue,” says Ray Monto, M.D., spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), in a press release. “One thing to keep in mind is that when you are 50, you may injure your body more easily than when you were 20. Joints, tissues and muscles may not be as flexible as they used to be. So as boomers age, they should take extra steps to protect themselves from injuries when exercising.” "Baby boomers who exercise regularly are less likely to experience depression, weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep disturbances," the AAOS release noted, "so it’s important to incorporate physical activity into your routine at any age."