Equestrian Shiatsu - Shiatsu Can Help

Shiatsu can help relieve many conditions from Arthritis, back pain, DJD and OSP to colic, COPD, stress and Rhabdomyolosis. However, it is no good treating the horse’s back if the saddle doesn’t fit, treating the laminitis if the horse is still on lush grass or treating the behavioural problems if the real cause is actually the owner’s behaviour towards the horse or the environment it is kept in. Often a Shiatsu session given to the owner or rider can greatly benefit the horse.

Complementary therapies should always be seen as complementary to veterinary medicine and not as alternatives. The horse’s vet must be informed that the horse will be receiving Shiatsu and any existing conditions must be explained and noted prior to commencement of the session. Shiatsu will not be given if the horse is taking anti-biotics.

Nowadays, there are many different therapies available to the horse owner and knowing which one to choose for a particular problem can be difficult. Shiatsu may look gentle but it is, in fact, very powerful. By tapping into the body’s energetic structure Shiatsu can effect change at a very deep level, affecting not just the physical but also the mental, emotional and social levels. Shiatsu has the benefit of the whole wealth of Oriental medical theory behind it. This theory, which has been in use for centuries, can guide practitioners to work on areas which will benefit the whole range of the horse's well being.

I have worked on a huge range of horses and ponies including:

•	Horses with muscle, ligament or tendon injury where the shiatsu has benefited the original problem and identified and improved areas that have become tight or sore as a compensation.
•	Horses with Arthritis, DJD and other skeletal problems such as OSP (kissing spine) who have gone on to perform and compete.
•	Horses on box rest for whom Shiatsu has kept them physically healthy and helped prevent lymphodema and secondary back pain caused by lack of movement or transferring weight from the original injury. It has also helped them to relax and adjust to being confined.
•	Horses with competitive stress. I have had the opportunity to travel to 3DEs with advanced horses to Shiatsu horse and rider throughout the event, helping to keep them calm, relaxed and supple.
•	Dressage horses prior to competing, as when mind and body are relaxed but energised, the performance is enhanced.
•	Winning Race horses - by keeping the body free from pain & stiffness and the mind relaxed horses are able to run further & faster.
•	Many horses and ponies with sore backs, tight shoulders, necks, polls, hamstrings - they have all benefited from being more supple, relaxed and free of pain after a session.
•	Foals & Youngsters who have received Shiatsu prior to and during basic handling work and backing/schooling.
•	Brood mares for whom Shiatsu can help with fertility, birth and lactation.
•	Horses with Laminitis, Cushings and Rhabdomyolosis for whom the re-balancing of energy has assisted in supporting the digestive, circulatory and immune systems and with the removal of toxins from the body.
•	Veterans and horses & ponies who simply enjoy feeling comfortable, relaxed and invigorated after a session - as would you after a day at a Health Spa!