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The Joan Karnell Cancer Center has been offering shiatsu as a supportive care service for more than two years. It is a popular complementary therapy for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy, for patients regaining strength and functioning after completing cancer treatment, and for patients experiencing extended illness. Shiatsu is also popular with caregivers and family members. Shiatsu is a therapy based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The three major branches of TCM are Asian bodywork therapies (ABT), acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Similar to acupuncture, shiatsu focuses on treating the patient's bio-energetic system by applying finger and hand pressure to the body's energy channels (meridians) and the acupoints. The goal of treatment is to shift the imbalances within that bio-energetic system bask into a state of balance, which enhances the ability of the body, mind, and spirit to care for itself. Aside from being a pleasant experience, the benefits of shiatsu include:
A session begins with questions about a patient's health history, illness and symptoms. A Chinese medicine assessment reveals the condition of the patient's energy system and guides the shiatsu treatment. Most treatments are given in a massage chair, unless a patient's limitations or comfort level requires otherwise. Patients always remain clothed during a shiatsu treatment. For more information or to schedule a shiatsu treatment at the Joan Karnell Cancer Center, call (215) 829-6466.
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