Shiatsu is a unique bodywork therapy sometimes known as Japanese physiotherapy. It works the whole body through stretches, gentle joint manipulation and pressure on acupressure points. Following the same basic principles as acupuncture, Shiatsu works without the use of needles along lines of energy known as meridians.

An ancient oriental practice, with thousands of years of history, Shiatsu has only relatively recently (within the last twenty years) been introduced to this country. Its popularity is increasing all the time as people have begun to experience for themselves and their horses the profound results that Shiatsu can have.

In horses it can help with:

• Keeping horses fit and healthy
• Spookiness
• Anxiety and depression
• Muscular tension
• Aggression
• Disorders of the musculo-skeletal structure such as sprains, strains and sore backs

Shiatsu works by keeping the body’s energy flow in balance. Traditionally the Japanese held the view that health care should be preventative rather than curative and Shiatsu was the way in which they kept themselves healthy. Their physicians were paid on the days when their patients were well, but not on the days when they were ill.

An interesting way of considering these ideas is to look at your horse with regard to the oriental five element theory – the five elements being Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.

Is your horse a ...