What is Equine Shiatsu??

Shiatsu is a Japanese therapy which is growing in popularity for both people and animals. Shiatsu on horses has been developing in the UK since the mid 1990's.

The word "Shi-atsu" in Japanese means "finger pressure" and the basic technique of Shiatsu involves pressure with fingers, thumbs, and palms on areas of pain or sensitivity. Stretches and rotations are also an important part of the treatment which aims to stimulate the body's own self-healing abilities through increased blood circulation, lymphatic fluid movement and the activation of both divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The theories underpinning Shiatsu are those of traditional Oriental Medicine, similar to Acupuncture theory.

Five Element Theory is a framework frequently used to explain a horse's condition - and that of the rider.

Which Element Are You - And Your Horse?