A coach explores shiatsu and acupuncture treatments 

Shiatsu treatments at a 24-hour adventure race? Sounds exciting! 20 years ago, a teammate recruited a friend to support the cycling team by providing shiatsu treatments at the event. We had a 5-woman race team and a corporate team racing in the event. For me personally, there was reluctance to try a treatment. I have always followed a strict blueprint that has guided my bike-race performance. I challenged my approach after witnessing others’ positive experiences on the team. I decided to take a bold risk and expand to include shiatsu at this race! My aching race body appreciated the gentle pressure applied. I learned that the ancient approach of harnessing the energy pathways, or qi (pronounced chee), matched my experience. According to the Shiatsu Therapy Association of Ontario, Shiatsu is a manual therapy from Japan that stimulates the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Literally translated, the word shiatsu means “finger pressure.”

I felt lighter, relaxed yet excited about my next race lap! During my last lap, I felt less “beat up” during the endurance race. A solid experience to add to my tool kit.

Most recently, I reached out to my colleague again, who has expanded professional practice to include both acupuncture and shiatsu. At the beginning of our assessment, I found myself downplaying my symptoms by describing my situation as “nothing major”. Breaking it down a bit more, I started giggling as the grocery list of issues I was sharing seemed to scream “overwhelmed”! I noticed that it felt relieving to discuss everything that I was managing from menopause, hypothyroidism, and some generalized tenderness across my lower back that sometimes includes nerve tingling.

I described how my hypothyroidism and low B12 were course correcting. I was making a comeback in my strength and endurance on the bike, yet overall, it was a struggle to keep going despite the progress. I was concerned.

The hands-on treatment checked my vitals. In Chinese medicine (TCM), this includes pulse listening and observation of tongue colour. Points were checked by palpating along the body’s meridians to determine the treatment path. A tenderness in the point signals the suboptimal functioning of the body’s meridian. The findings included an inflammation of the Kidney Meridian, which is known as the “fountain of life.” A discussion about my inflammation brought relief from the self-imposed pressure to push on and get stronger and fitter. I felt permission to give myself TLC to repair this stressed state. How enlightening!

The Application

The magnets were applied to the outer sides of my feet. The acupuncture needles are targeted to stimulate the central nervous system, according to John Hopkins Medicine. This releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. They may promote physical and emotional well-being or “Qi,” vital energy.

A pressure point on my heel produced a wave of calm. This was a switch from the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest).

The shiatsu treatment was gentle presses with slight movement.

The Response

Magnets magically eliminated the leg length discrepancy. The held pressure point on my foot produced a wave of calm. This was a shift from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic nervous system. 

The acupuncture needles didn’t seem to have an effect until later.

The shiatsu was a perfect way to encourage more relaxation. I felt a sense of calm, and as I stood up from the table, I was pain-free.

The evening brought an enormous fatigue that when I went to walk, I felt absolutely weak and exhausted. Upon double-checking this, people often experience flu-like symptoms post-treatment. I was relieved to hear this.

The final treatment

I asked only for a tune-up as I was feeling much better. No acupuncture, but again, magnets and shiatsu. This treatment allowed me to realize my self-imposed pressure. Just by acknowledging the weight I was towing around, I was able to give myself permission to coast. The combination of treatments and awareness of my body stress level gave me relief from the plateau level of pain I was experiencing. This process encouraged a self-inventory, which is challenging for me when my coaching career includes looking after everyone else!!! I am glad I didn’t keep pushing. I am grateful for the rest and qi reset over 4 weeks. I am now able to pedal and push without pain while holding onto my nervous system lessons. 

As with all wellness-related approaches, it’s wise to verify credibility, education, certification, and experience. Please contact me directly if you wish to work with this practitioner I have written about (jbreactivated@gmail.com).

Jenny Brown