Today I want to talk to you about a delicate and important subject, fibromyalgia which affects many people and is too often misunderstood and how shiatsu can help.
I want to share how shiatsu can make a real difference in the lives of people suffering from fibromyalgia. If you are here, you probably know this condition, or know someone who does. It brings with it pain, frustration and many questions.
Shiatsu applied to fibromyalgia is not a miracle cure, but a rather a respectful approach that listens to the body and responds to its needs. My aim is not to oversimplify things, but to offer you an additional tool, a possibility to explore in support of your well-being.
Fibromyalgia an invisible but real syndrome
Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome, characterised by widespread muscle pain and a variety of symptoms that deeply impact quality of life. It most commonly affects women between the ages of 40 and 60, but it does not discriminate by age or gender. It is often difficult to diagnose, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘invisible disease’.
There are no external signs to reveal it, but the resulting pain and fatigue are very real.
The main symptoms include:
- Widespread muscle and bone pain, often presenting as dull, persistent pains
- Asthenia, a feeling of tiredness that does not go away even with rest
- Sleep disorders, making it difficult to regain energy
- Anxiety, depression and cognitive difficulties, such as poor concentration
- Headaches, abdominal pain
- And a variety of other symptoms which can come and go
This condition can be debilitating, but it is not a condemnation. With the right support, you can live with it and improve your quality of life. And this is precisely where shiatsu comes in.
How shiatsu intervenes in fibromyalgia symptoms
Shiatsu is one of the holistic types of massage, so called because they take care of the energetic rebalancing of the entire organism in a gentle and natural way.
If you’re wondering“How exactly shiatsu and fibromyalgia work?” let me reassure you, there is nothing complicated about it. Imagine that your body is like a network of rivers and streams. When one of these rivers gets blocked, the water (your energy) no longer flows freely.
Shiatsu is like a skilful gardener who restores the flow, dissolving blockages and allowing energy to flow again thus alleviating the fibromyalgia
In particular, shiatsu can be useful for:
- Relieving muscle pain: targeted pressure helps loosen muscle contractures and reduce stiffness. A softer, more flexible body benefits from improved mobility
- Rebalancing energy: stimulating the energy meridians with a customised treatment promotes energy rebalancing, which helps reduce the feeling of chronic fatigue.
- Supporting the nervous system: the stimulation of energy points helps reduce sensitivity to pain and encourages the release of endorphins, our natural analgesics.
- Improving sleep quality: fibromyalgia sufferers often have difficulty resting. Shiatsu promotes deep relaxation, reduces anxiety and improves sleep quality.
A profound approach and respect for the person
Shiatsu is a discipline that deeply respects the individual in their: body, mind and spirit. Its beauty lies in the fact that it does not merely treat the symptom, but focuses on the energy balance of the body. Every person is unique, and shiatsu responds to this uniqueness. A certified practitioner listens to the body’s needs and offers customised treatments.
When it comes to fibromyalgia, the body often manifests energy blockages, a kind of stasis of Qi (vital energy) that prevents the normal flow of energy through the meridians. In many cases, this blockage can be the cause of muscle pain, stiffness and tiredness.
Shiatsu stimulates the flow of energy to help restore balance by applying gentle pressure to specific points on the body. This allows the body to regain its harmony and function to the best of its ability.
Each shiatsu treatment is adapted to individual needs, with pressure that varies according to the sensitivity of the person. The beauty of shiatsu lies in its ability to listen to the body and respond gently but effectively.
The body’s response
One important thing to understand is that shiatsu is not a ‘magic’ solution that solves everything in one fell swoop, but like any path, it requires time and perseverance. Those who receive shiatsu for fibromyalgia treatments on a regular base, notice a progressive improvement such as a reduction in symptoms, greater general well-being and more serenity in everyday life.
Shiatsu is not a definitive solution for fibromyalgia, but an ally that can make a big difference. As I always tell my clients, fibromyalgia is a condition you can learn to live with by making conscious choices for your body and mind. Shiatsu is one of those tools that will help you maintain a good balance and improve your quality of life.
An invitation to well-being
Now that you have an overview of how shiatsu can be helpful in the management of fibromyalgia, I invite you to consider it as a possibility, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every body reacts differently, and finding the right balance requires patience.
Shiatsu will help you bring your body back into a state of harmony, reducing pain and improving sleep quality. But, as always, the path to rebalancing is personal and unique to each of us.
And you, have you ever tried shiatsu for fibromyalgia? How did it make you feel? Tell me your experience in the comments, I’d be happy to hear it. If you would like to experience the benefits of shiatsu for fibromyalgia in person, don’t hesitate to contact me on WhatsApp.
Remember, wellness is not a destination, but a journey that deserves to be experienced with care and kindness towards oneself.
WARNING! Shiatsu is not a medical treatment and does not replace the advice or treatment of a health professional. You should consult your doctor before undertaking any shiatsu treatment, especially if you have a present medical condition or persistent pain. The purpose of shiatsu is to support general well-being.
Frequently asked questions
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a complex syndrome characterised by widespread and persistent muscle pain, often accompanied by chronic fatigue (asthenia), sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and cognitive difficulties. It is an ‘invisible’ condition because it has no obvious external signs, but the symptoms are very real and can significantly affect the quality of life of the sufferer. It mainly affects women between the ages of 40 and 60.
What are the main symptoms of fibromyalgia?
The main symptoms include widespread muscle and bone pain, fatigue that does not improve with rest (asthenia), sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, anxiety and depression. Headaches, abdominal pain and a variety of other symptoms that vary in intensity and frequency may also occur. The combination of these symptoms makes fibromyalgia a debilitating condition.
Can shiatsu cure fibromyalgia?
No, shiatsu is not a cure for fibromyalgia. Shiatsu is a holistic discipline that supports general well-being and can help manage symptoms. It works by rebalancing the body’s energy flow, relieving muscle pain, reducing fatigue and improving sleep quality. It is a complementary approach that offers valuable support to improve quality of life.
How does shiatsu work on fibromyalgia symptoms?
Shiatsu works through gentle pressure on specific points of the body (energy meridians). This helps loosen muscle contractures, reduce stiffness and support the nervous system, decreasing sensitivity to pain. It also encourages the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and promotes deep relaxation, which is essential for improving sleep and reducing anxiety.
How long does it take to notice the benefits of shiatsu?
As with any course of therapy, the benefits of shiatsu require time and perseverance. It is not an immediate solution. Many people who receive shiatsu treatments regularly notice a gradual improvement in the reduction of symptoms and an overall increase in well-being. It is a personalised process, and the body’s response varies from individual to individual.
Is shiatsu painful for fibromyalgia sufferers?
A certified shiatsu practitioner always adapts the pressure to the client’s individual sensitivity. The treatment is designed to be gentle but effective, aiming to promote relaxation and energy balancing, not to cause pain. Communication with the operator is crucial to ensure that the pressure is always comfortable and respectful.
Does shiatsu replace medical therapies for fibromyalgia?
Absolutely not. Shiatsu is not a medical treatment and should never replace the advice or therapies prescribed by a health professional. It is a complementary approach that aims to support general well-being and manage symptoms. It is always advisable to consult your doctor before undertaking any shiatsu treatment, especially if you have a medical condition or persistent pain.