Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) is the oldest of the three primary branches of Asian medicine. The other two are herbs and acupuncture. Each of the branches shares the same trunk, being based on the same medical principles. The branches are simply different expressions thereof.

While differing in methods, ABT, herbs and acupuncture have many of the same effects! In general, Asian medicine is very effective in treating:

1. •Stress-related Ailments
   

2. -insomnia
   

3. -anxiety and depression
   

4. -muscular tension
   

5. -headaches
   

6. -digestive disturbances
   

7. -menstrual dysfunction
   

8. -low resistance to infection
   

1. •Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
   

2. -backache
   

3. -synovitis
   

4. -sprains and strains
   

5. -neck and shoulder stiffness
   

6. -joint pain
   

1. •Localized Physical Effects
   

2. -sinus congestion
   

3. -retention of fluid in the tissues
   

4. -poor circulation.
   

In my practice of Shiatsu and supporting arts, I have had the following successes:

1. •Aches, Pains, and Migraines
   

2. -Dissipation of aches and pains throughout the body (most sufferers complain of neck, shoulder, lower back and joint troubles)
   

3. -Reduced pain and increased functionality (strength and range of motion) for moderately to severely arthritic knees.
   

4. -"Unexplained" severe migraines, not "cured" by Western medicine, eliminated/managed.
   

1. •Injury, Surgery, and Cancer Recovery
   

2. -Increased speed of healing after knee injury and surgery.
   

3. -Increased immune system granular counts, strengthened veins, and reduced fatigue and nausea during chemotherapy for breast cancer (see my case study - Immune Support During Chemotherapy - for details).
   

4. -Return of vitality (improved energy and sleep, increased strength, flexibility and endurance, and moderated body temperature) following Western treatments for colon cancer.
   

1. •Sleep, Breathing, and Well-being
   

2. -Elimination of sleep apnea and congestive heart failure.
   

3. -Reduction in asthma symptoms and relief from cold and flu.
   

4. -Resolution of constipation.
   

5. -Fibromyalgia - reduced pain, increased energy, improvement in mood, and greater "life functionality."
   

6. -Turned a breeched baby (using the UB67 acupoint).
   

7. -Clients typically feel "relaxed but energized", "light and flowing", and "peaceful and 'grounded'" after treatments (plus they generally sleep better).
   

1. •Anti-aging
   

2. As with most of the above cases, this is addressed through a combination of Zen Shiatsu, Qigong, Meridian exercises, yoga (The Five Tibetans), Kampo (Japanese herbal solutions), phytonutrients (BioPharma Scientific NanoGreens10), and encouragement toward mindfulness and non-attachment.
   

With any medical practice, there are contraindications. For ABT, these include:

1. •Cancer (except for an advanced practitioner).
   

1. •Pregnancy (the first three months for all, with an exception thereafter for the advanced practitioner; throughout pregnancy, direct pressure on the abdomen and certain acupoints which move the Ki strongly - LI4, SP6, GB21 and others - are contraindicated; at the labor stage, these acupoints can help deliver the baby).
   

1. •Acute illness with fever (the body is already engaged in fighting the infection and should not be overloaded; however, certain points may help speed recovery by eliminating the External pathogenic factor).
   

1. •Osteoporosis, chemotherapy, and high blood pressure (with the exception of the lightest pressure, for fear of damage to bone and blood vessels).
   

1. •Very weak or debilitated receivers, such as the elderly, the frail and many sufferers from chronic fatigue syndrome (with the exception of very gentle treatment).
   

1. •Certain localized conditions, such as varicose veins, wounds, fractures, operation scars and adhesions, inflamed joints (showing signs of heat or redness), and areas of inflamed, red or raw skin.
   

If you're experiencing health challenges and are weary of drugs and surgery, give ABT a try! Make Shiatsu therapy a regular part of your health improvement program.  Invest in yourself, invest in your life!