The term “whiplash” describes an event in which the (cervical) spine is massively compressed, overstretched or twisted. In Switzerland, around 11,000 whiplash injuries occur each year, most of them in traffic accidents with rear-end collisions. In addition to the classic rear-end collision, falls during sports and games, in the household, and a blow to the back are known causes. It is not uncommon for an initially harmless accident to result in the delayed onset of a variety of symptoms.
The most common complaints of whiplash are neck stiffness and pain, back pain, shoulder tension, headaches, dizziness, nausea, irritability, nervousness, concentration problems, sleep disorders, double vision or blurred vision. The complaints often persist and can lead to (partial) disability. In addition, there are a number of less well-known consequences and long-term complaints such as increased inner tension, intolerance, concern, exhaustion, listlessness, fear and nightmares, drowsiness, confusion, forgetfulness, ringing in the ears. Since the symptoms can neither be objectively measured nor verified by imaging procedures, they are often trivialized and not taken seriously by doctors, health insurance companies and those around them.
How does Shiatsu work for whiplash?
Due to the massive impact of impact, impact, etc., supporting physical and energetic structures and connections are changed, compressed, blocked, weakened and interrupted. The organism can no longer find its “normal” balance and reacts accordingly to the massive irritation. Shiatsu is a good choice, especially for whiplash with subsequent symptoms and chronic problems that are often recognized too late. In Shiatsu, the energy pathways (meridians) are stimulated using specific touch techniques to release accumulated energy. Supportive pressure and gentle stretching help the organism to rebuild the missing energetic connections and to find its way back to self-regulation. The affected muscles and tissue are given space, relaxation and freedom of movement are made possible.
Shiatsu relieves tension or blockages that cause problems and strengthens energetically weak and needy areas. Pain can be relieved and the recovery process accelerated. A whiplash also has psychological consequences. It can drastically change a person’s life plan, ideas and power. Loss of work, the loss of social contacts, the feeling of being labeled as a simulant by institutions and being left alone with the follow-up costs builds up new tensions in body and psyche. The ability to deal with the stressful and difficult situation is supported in the treatment-related discussion.
A practical example
Ms D. suffers a car accident with side and front impact. Headaches, diffuse malaise and neck problems appear immediately after the event. She herself attaches little importance to the complaints at first. However, your doctor certifies that immediate treatment is medically necessary. Shiatsu helps to loosen “frozen” tissue from the very first treatment, to “push” on the natural flow of energy blocked by the shock of an accident and to activate the body’s self-regulatory powers. The headaches go away with the first few sessions. Shiatsu also helps to reduce downtime. Ms. D’s fear is that starting her day-to-day work could be too stressful. Shoulder and neck tension actually shows up again and again because of the stress in everyday life and at work.
The Shiatsu treatments lead to relaxation and pain relief. However, a lasting change requires better body awareness and self-responsible support of healing. Therefore, the Shiatsu therapist also recommends light physical and simple breathing exercises. In this way, the client finds a deeper trust in her body and more security in her everyday life. The treatment with Shiatsu is therefore doubly relieving and valuable for you.