About Equine Shiatsu
What is Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is a bodywork therapy. The word “Shiatsu” translates from the Japanese as “shi” meaning finger and “atsu” meaning pressure. It is a sister therapy to acupuncture, sharing many of the same theories and principles but is totally non invasive.
Shiatsu practitioners believe that the body has energy or life force flowing around it in certain directions and that this energy can become imbalanced. When energy is out of balance physical or mental problems may become apparent.
As a therapy Shiatsu in various forms has been around since at least 530 BC but in the last 25 years it has become popular in the equine world to promote health and well being.
Equine Shiatsu practitioners use pressure from their fingers and hands to work on the horse’s body. They may also use gentle stretches and rotations.
They believe that by working with a horses body they can help the body to heal itself. Horses use touch to communicate so generally respond well to Shiatsu
What can Shiatsu be used for?
It can be used for muscular/skeletal problems, anxiety , tension and many other health problems. It promotes a feeling of well being and relaxation so is marvellous as a “feel good” therapy or as part of a performance horses programme.
What happens in a Shiatsu session?
A first session usually takes about one and a half hours as I would need to take various details and talk to you about your horse. I observe the horse to start with and would work over them with my hands, paying particular attention to areas where the energy appears out of balance. I would work along energy channels and use acupressure points. I may do some stretches with the horse and give you some homework.
Signs that horses are enjoying their session include:
- licking and chewing
- yawning
- tummy rumbling
- sleepiness
Further sessions may be shorter depending on what the horse needs.
