Shiatsu and Menopause

Be aware that in order for the practice of shiatsu to work at treating the symptoms of menopause first an accurate diagnosis of the symptoms must be done by the qualified practitioner.

Shiatsu follows the same physiology model of Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly acupuncture, that map the human body in a network or series of meridians.  These are the channels where positive energy or life force (Qi, Chi, or Ki) flows through as it travels to the different parts of the body.  According to the same oriental theories, ailments and other health problems are caused by blockages in one or more of the meridian lines that prevent the continuous flow of energy. There is imbalance when energy flow is sluggish or disrupted although this can be corrected by the application of pressure to specific points on the body that are related to the afflicted channel.

Shiatsu is especially helpful for women in the menopausal stage.  Many of the symptoms experienced by menopausal women including ringing in the ears, shoulder pain and dizziness can be relieved with Shiatsu. Said symptoms are indicative of disruptions in energy flow in the small intestine meridian because the ovaries are located within the same area.  Application of pressure on the appropriate body point will alleviate the symptoms.

The channels within the stomach and spleen zone must be worked on if the symptoms manifested are that of nervous or stomach disorders, or emotional eating where anxiety and frustration lead one to overeating. On the other hand, if you are going through menopause and are suffering from any type of nervous disorder or experiencing heart palpitations, imbalances are most likely located in the meridians for the heart, bladder and kidneys. Apply pressure to the triple heater meridian line (along the chest, solar plexus and navel) if you complain of constant fatigue or if you experience frequent headaches. However, if your problem involves obesity or continued weight gain, or hormonal imbalance, pressure treatment is needed at the gall bladder meridian.

Menopausal women wishing to apply Shiatsu treatment for their symptoms should take precaution and must first seek an accurate diagnosis from a qualified practitioner before attempting any of the self-help Shiatsu techniques.

If you find yourself facing frequent anxiety attacks or having to deal with a large amount of tension regularly, you can find relief by applying the following Shiatsu technique:

First, locate the third eye point in your forehead. To find it, feel for a slight depression in the bone, a little above the eyebrow line but in the middle and directly above the bridge of the nose. When you have found the point, massage the area with your finger tips using a circular motion while counting slowly from one to 30.  For maximum benefits, breathe deeply -- inhale and exhale rhythmically -- while doing the massage. When you have finished to the count of 30, you may repeat the process.  It would be helpful to close your eyes and focus your attention to your breathing and your heartbeat. You may perform this technique as often as necessary.  You may also choose the massage type -- smooth, pulsating or stroking -- that you feel works best for you.  Remember that individual response to the treatment is different, so always go for that which you have find effective.