Old age

Shiatsu works with touch and is therefore a valuable addition to care and support in old age. Embedded aging in one’s own family circle is only rarely possible in today’s social structure. The associated loneliness of older people and their care pushes conventional medicine and nursing professionals to their limits. A look at the demographic development of the population in Switzerland shows how important methods of complementary therapy such as Shiatsu are for health care and health policy. The number of 65-year-olds will increase by 45% from 2008-2030 and will probably account for 30% of the total population by 2060. Active and healthy aging is to be promoted across Europe in the coming years with innovative concepts. Shiatsu as a method of complementary therapy can be introduced particularly well here. Shiatsu supports the self-regulation mechanisms of the organism, recovery and vitality and improves the quality of life.

Shiatsu as a therapeutic accompaniment in aging, in old age and in old age supports people by maintaining and promoting physical and mental mobility. The natural process of aging involves a decrease in the flexibility of joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. The elasticity decreases, the skin becomes drier and the posture more stooped. Movement limitations, falls and balance problems lead to fear and “daring less”. The sensory functions, especially hearing and seeing, decrease and the social environment is perceived differently. This is accompanied by a tendency to decrease the capacity to open up and adapt to new thoughts and ideas. Mental and spiritual abilities can deepen in the third phase of life when people can get involved in the process of aging. Shiatsu, with its subtle movement techniques, offers effortless training of this physical and mental flexibility. It helps to remain receptive to relationships, feelings, sensory perception and strengthens human resources when dealing with symptoms and illnesses. Shiatsu can help minimize side effects and medication dependency, sometimes even avoiding medical intervention.

Touch, an important aspect of working with the elderly, is a key part of the work in Shiatsu. Touch equals emotional nourishment, closeness and contact. Respect and empathy are central in Shiatsu and in contact with older/old people. Through the touch, with a present, deep perception, the person can feel as a whole and integrate the changes. An inner alternative to the one-sided view of deficits, pain and suffering emerges.

Ms K is 78 years old. After retiring from working life, during which she received Shiatsu regularly (back pain, stress), she decided to continue the treatments. Shiatsu supported her in the transition from work to retirement, a major process of change and adjustment. Recovery after a cerebral hemorrhage, cataract surgery in both eyes and recurring headaches could be accompanied and alleviated with the help of Shiatsu and the healing supported. Recently Ms K fell. She says that a passer-by “had to help her up like an old woman”. Thanks to Shiatsu, she feels good and basically healthy despite all her ailments. Another example shows that Shiatsu helps to feel good and to want to continue to actively participate in social life, even if physical ailments are present: A good 85-year-old woman sits for hours every day in a comfortable upholstered chair at the intersection of two corridors. When asked why she is sitting here, she says: “It’s nice just sitting here and having the feeling of being in the middle of life.”