Equine Shiatsu

A brief insight into Equine Shiatsu

What is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is 'Japanese physiotherapy' a healing art which literally means finger pressure often referred to as acupressure. It works using gentle non evasive techniques including; rotations, stretches, palming, thumb and elbow pressure. These techniques are used to balance the Qi in the meridians and whole body and to free blockages.

What is Qi?

Qi is energy that controls harmony in every living body. It is the essential 'life force'. This energy flows through the body along channels which are known as meridians. If the energy flow gets disrupted problems will evidently occur.

So how does shiatsu work?

There are twelve meridian channels. Each meridian relates to an organ i.e. Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen, Heart, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney, Pericardium, Triple Heater, Gallbladder and Liver. When a meridian becomes blocked this results in energy disruption leading to various ailments. By using Shiatsu this helps restore the balance and harmonise the flow of Qi energy throughout the body.

What conditions can Shiatsu help?

NB: Shiatsu is not a substitute for veterinary care, it is a complementary therapy that aims to work alongside vets.