Shiatsu is a reflective and developmental practice; we are all learning all the time.
Here are just a few of the benefits of regular reflection:
-
Ensures you are aware of new developments
-
Maintains skills and knowledge
-
Supports professionalism
-
Opportunity to expand your shiatsu toolkit
-
Provides framework for sharing good practice
-
Inner development deepens your practice
Cancer - Feb '24
Since the diagnosis of cancer disclosed by King Charles, there has been an upsurge in focus on the illness: diagnosis, treatment and support. This month’s CPD focus is on cancer, including information to improve general knowledge, what is being said about shiatsu in relation to cancer treatment and links to recent research.
General reading about cancer
Cancer is a group of illnesses, so a great source of information is the group associated the particular type.
Macmillan, CRUK and Royal Marsden all have excellent information available.
As Shiatsu practitioners we are most likely to be focused on specific symptoms, for example, nausea, fatigue, breathlessness.
Patient information about Shiatsu
Below are links to what has been written by the two main support charities
Recent research
Massage therapy can effectively relieve cancer pain: A meta-analysis Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Jul 7; 102(27): e33939
Clinical Evidence for Association of Acupuncture and Acupressure With Improved Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis JAMA Oncol 2020
Massage therapy significantly improves cancer-related fatigue in cancer patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trialsSupport Care Cancer 2023
Shiatsu & Winter Wellness - Jan '24
Covid and long Covid related research:
Modified rehabilitation exercises for mild cases of COVID-19, 2020
Chronic Lung Conditions:
Nutrition:
Nutrition: Eating to Live Well. Medical University of Taipei
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/eating-while-enjoying-life
We've also been revisiting resources available in the Journal as part of our New Year Resolutions. As we have been putting together the CPD focus over the past few months, we have come to appreciate both the knowledge and perspectives it contains and felt more connected to the Shiatsu community.
Here are a few Journal articles you can look up on Winter Wellness:
Shiatsu and Colds, William Rappenecker. Spring 2017
The Common Cold and its Benefits, Chris McAllister. Autumn 2013
Self Care -Jin Shin Tara Sally Ibbotson. Winter 2017
Using Breath Practice to Enhance Patient Healing Peter Deadman. Winter 2022
Cycles of Growth and New years Resolutions, William Bloom. Winter 2015
Shiatsu and Food Energetics - Dec '23
Useful Articles
Nutrition and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): a system's theoretical perspective
Online Western approach course - Nutrition and Wellbeing University of Aberdeen Future learn (free limited access)
Useful Journal Resource
Journal of Chinese Medicine has an archive of dietary medicine articles (not free)
https://www.jcm.co.uk/the-journal/jcm-article-archive/dietary-medicine.html
Useful website
Qi Nutrition with Daverick Leggett
Books
Healing with Whole Foods, by Paul Pitchford
From SSUK Journal
The Ki to sustainable living, Kerry Lowes, Summer 2017
Touching the Tides of our Being, Phillippe Vandenabeele, Winter 2022
Shiatsu and Parkinson's - Nov 23
A report on the benefits of tai chi for people living with Parkinsons on the BBC website prompted one of my contacts to get in touch and ask me to come and give a session to their NHS funded group. I have put together some resources so that members can respond with evidence
Information about Parkinsons
Related Research
Complementary Therapies in Parkinson Disease: a Review of Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, and Cannabis
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851283/
Effectiveness of therapeutic massage for improving motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9483027/
Effects of Health Qigong Exercise on Lower Limb Motor Function in Parkinson's Disease
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8892581/
Parkinson’s disease: tai chi may help manage symptoms – new research
https://theconversation.com/parkinsons-disease-tai-chi-may-help-manage-symptoms-new-research-216376
Mental Wellbeing - Oct '23
We have just marked World Mental Health Day. We know that shiatsu can be very supportive for people who are experiencing challenges to their mental health and as practitioners we need to look after ourselves too. Below are some useful links;
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/mental-health-later-life
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/women-and-mental-health
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many hours do I have to do annually?
15 hours of activities, taken from more than one of the 4 main categories. These can be spread over your membership year.
I can’t afford to do any CPD courses at the moment
That is not a problem. The Informal Learning category enables you to count activities like reading books or articles, discussions with colleagues, journaling on treatments given and received.