Cancer

Cancer cells can develop in organs or tissues. They are recognised as “enemies” by a well-functioning immune system and “destroyed”. If this self-regulation is overridden, the cells multiply uncontrollably and unhindered. Cancer manifests itself in about a hundred different malignant tumour diseases. The most common types of cancer are breast, prostate, colon, lung, urinary bladder and stomach cancer. Conditions that can promote cancer are, for example, immune deficiency, environmental influences, poor diet, smoking, viral infections, chemicals, radiation exposure. A cancer diagnosis is a great emotional challenge for those affected. It can trigger a state of shock that is often associated with the question “Why me? One’s own body becomes strange, uncanny and a threatening enemy. Fears of physical decay, pain and dependence on other people are accompanied by despair, anger, hopelessness, resignation. What is to be done? It is necessary to find a good way of dealing with the treatment options and a variety of “advice”. Close relatives are also strongly challenged and often do not know how to deal with the situation.

Shiatsu sees itself as a complement to medical measures. The life energy, the healthy part of the body and the immune system are strengthened. The treatment supports access to one’s own body, being in contact with oneself and self-awareness and body awareness. The careful therapeutic accompaniment provides support and orientation in a time of extreme uncertainty and insecurity, during diagnosis and prognosis, during the period of medical measures, during breaks in treatment, during aftercare and recovery or, in the case of an incurable course, during the dying process. The Shiatsu therapist addresses the psychological and emotional state of the patient. She supports the handling of oneself, of resources and fears, the “making tangible” of the overall situation. She helps to pay attention to one’s own needs, to reconcile oneself with the body and with life, to find trust and to be in the moment. The ability to make decisions is strengthened: What are my goals? What has meaning? What can I do myself? Where do I need help? How can I deal with the stressful overall situation in my family and partnership? Shiatsu improves the quality of life. Shiatsu helps to relax, rest, sleep and promotes courage, confidence and hope.

Mrs. A. is in her mid-40s, mother of 4 even younger children. Mrs. A. comes to Shiatsu therapy after her breast cancer operation, during which several lymph nodes were removed. She wants support during the time of chemotherapy. As a result of the lymph node operation she experiences cold and numbness in her arm. During chemotherapy, she experiences stomach sensitivities, sleep disturbances, tension around both shoulders and her spine, and occasional headaches. The puncture site of the needle remains painful. Changes in the menstrual cycle occur. Ms A. is prone to colds and gets a bladder and eye infection. Mrs. A. would also like the premature menopausal symptoms triggered by the chemotherapy to be regulated and her immune system to be strengthened. During the chemo therapy of 6 cycles, Mrs. A. feels better than expected thanks to Shiatsu, with only slight nausea and stomach irritation at the beginning. After the Shiatsu treatments she always feels relaxed and recovered. Her mood and energy fluctuations are reduced and her energy balance can stabilise. She has enough strength to organise help in the household and experiences joy in “tidying up” and in choosing beautiful clothes. The Shiatsu therapist shows her breathing and physical exercises and gives her nutrition tips. In this way, Ms A. learns to take good care of herself. She allows herself regular rest periods to relax, warms herself and pays attention to her diet. The leukocytes are always in the normal range 1 week after the chemotherapy.