Shiatsu in oncology: a treatment of healing processes’ activation. Observational study

Abstract

Nowadays, Alternative and Complementary Medicines (CAM) is increasingly used on cancer patients, holistic approach seems to be the most functional and satisfying. In 2006, the American Nurses Association (ANA) officially recognized Holistic Nursing as a specialty area of nursing practice. For holistic nurses, healing is a dynamic process focused on caring body-mind-spirit in a complex, taking care of the whole person. Shiatsu is a complementary mind-body treatment; it can be considered like a psychophysical help during oncology disease. It could also be considered as a resource for well being, relaxation, and life quality improvement The aim of this observational study is describe shiatsu effects in cancer patients and connection between this treatment and improvement on psychophysical well-being and quality of life (QoL). The study involved 21 oncological patients of Day Hospital. These patients voluntarily took part in shiatsu treatment offered by an association that works in prevention and rehabilitation area. The study participants answered a questionnaire and EORTC-QLQ C-30 to respectively evaluate shiatsu effects on psychophysical well-being and QoL sensed. Shiatsu treatment improved health perceptions in patients, 65% of attendees declared that shiatsu activated changes in perception of themselves and their body. 85% showed psychophysical relaxation and the 75% felt general well-being. Subjective perception of fatigue decreased (-35%), like emesis (-35%), anxiety (-20%), depression (-15%); also paraestesias decreased, sleep quality and perception of energy of body and mind increased. The relationship between shiatsu professional and patient is rest on trust (95% of cases) because patients declared to feel embrace and well-liked from the shiatsu professional. 45% of sample adopted a well-being oriented life style during and after shiatsu treatment. The 75% of sample felt benefits days after treatment end. 65% of attendees adopted at least one CAM in the past and during the study 50% was adopting at least one type of CAM. Shiatsu is an holistic treatment which shows multidimensional effects for well-being on the whole person. It could be considered a treatment that activate healing process, it could be integrated in the medical oncology care.