A variety of research studies have been undertaken to establish the effectiveness of Shiatsu. The results of these are overwhelmingly positive. To look at just a couple:
In 2007 Professor Andrew Long of the University of Leeds published a longitudinal study into the effects of Shiatsu:
“The findings confirm the safety of Shiatsu as practised within the three countries
The findings demonstrate interconnected and consistent evidence of client- perceived beneficial effects in the short and longer term. These range from symptom change to lifestyle changes. The effects are maintained in the longer term (six months follow-up)
Benefits in terms of general well-being, health maintenance, health promotion (uptake of advice and recommendations) and health awareness are notable. This suggests a potential role for Shiatsu in public health
Findings on a reduction in use of conventional medicine, medication and working days lost due to ill-health are indicative of an added value and potential economic benefit arising from Shiatsu treatment“
From “The Effects and Experience of Shiatsu: A Cross-European Study: Executive summary”
In 2016 a meta-study was published on the effectiveness of Shiatsu:
“The objective of this review of research on Shiatsu was to determine its specific efficacy in medical care and therapeutic safety. The results show that Shiatsu is an effective and safe treatment method for the indications that were investigated. Shiatsu is used for physiological, psychosomatic, neurological, psychophysiological or psychosocial impairments and to generally support health and well-being.
The studies included here demonstrated that on average Shiatsu shows a slight advantage compared to procedures of conventional medicine.”