In Japan, some hospital teams have long been studying the integration of Shiatsu into nursing care. A study published in 2000 in the Kitakanto Medical Journal examined the effects of Shiatsu on anxiety and side effects experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Although the sample size was small, this research opens up an exciting avenue: Shiatsu could become a valuable tool for emotional support in oncology departments.
Study Reference
Authors: Iida M., Chiba A., Yoshida Y., Shimizu K., Kanda K.
Title: « Effects of Shiatsu Massage on Relief of Anxiety and Side Effect Symptoms of Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy »
Published in: Kitakanto Medical Journal (Kitakanto Igaku), vol. 50, n°3, 2000, pp. 227-232.
Authors affiliated with:
- Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Gunma University
- Yamagata University
- Toranomon Hospital
A clinical study conducted with 9 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy to evaluate the effects of Shiatsu on anxiety, relaxation, and treatment-related side effects.
A Major Challenge: Anxiety Related to Chemotherapy
Patients undergoing chemotherapy do not suffer solely from the physical effects of the treatment. The authors point out that fear, anxiety about upcoming sessions, memories of previous treatments, and uncertainty about the disease’s progression significantly increase patients’ anxiety.
This anxiety can itself exacerbate certain symptoms:
- nausea,
- fatigue,
- pain,
- digestive problems,
- loss of quality of life.
Japanese researchers point out that improved psychological well-being could enhance treatment adherence and support patients’ quality of life.
A study conducted at the hospital among cancer patients
The study was conducted among 9 hospitalized patients receiving chemotherapy for hematologic or lung cancers.
The patients were divided into two groups:
- a group with high levels of anxiety,
- a group with lower levels of anxiety.
The researchers used several assessment tools:
- STAI anxiety score,
- emotional relaxation scale,
- subjective assessment of symptoms,
- skin temperature measurement.
Shiatsu was applied to the hands and feet for 30 minutes each morning and afternoon over a period of 4 days.
A reduction in anxiety among the most anxious patients
The most interesting finding concerns the group that exhibited the highest levels of anxiety before the sessions.
After several days of Shiatsu:
- the anxiety score decreases significantly,
- Patients report greater psychological relief,
- Researchers have observed a significant relaxation effect.
The authors conclude that Shiatsu appears to be particularly effective in reducing situational anxiety associated with chemotherapy.
They also suggest that Shiatsu be combined with:
- active listening,
- emotional support,
- better patient information.
This vision is very similar to the traditional Japanese holistic approach to healthcare.
Therapeutic touch likely plays a vital role
One of the most interesting sections of the study concerns the concept of touch.
Researchers point out that simply being touched with care can lead to:
- a sense of security,
- trusted,
- of comfort,
- a sense of human connection.
They even suggest the possibility that some of the observed effects stem as much from the relational quality of touch as from the technique itself.
This is an extremely important issue in the modern hospital setting, where many patients experience profound emotional loneliness.
What This Study Tells Us Today
Although this study dates back to 2000 and is based on a small group of patients, it remains valuable for several reasons:
- It comes from a real-life Japanese hospital setting,
- She attempts to objectively assess the effects of Shiatsu,
- She approaches Shiatsu as a complementary nursing practice,
- She emphasizes the importance of therapeutic touch.
At a time when there is a growing effort to make cancer care more patient-centered, this Japanese study reminds us of one essential thing:
Care is not limited to treatment.
A caring presence, active listening, and touch can also help bring relief to the patient.
Read the original study (in English)
« Effects of Shiatsu Massage on Relief of Anxiety and Side Effect Symptoms of Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy »
Published in: Kitakanto Medical Journal (Kitakanto Igaku), vol. 50, no. 3, 2000, pp. 227–232.
Author
- Can Shiatsu reduce anxiety in patients undergoing chemotherapy? - 15 August 2026
- Traditional Chinese Medicine for Shiatsu Practitioners and Other Complementary Health Therapists - 19 July 2026
- Zagreb: Abdominal massage Chinese (qineizang) and Japanese (anpuku) traditions – March, 19th-21st, 2027 with two specialists - 16 July 2026
- Italy: Between Heaven and Earth – An Immersion in Shiatsu and Taoist Philosophy, with Ivan Bel, June 9–13, 2027 - 16 July 2026
- Neck and stiffness in Shiatsu - 26 June 2026
- Poland: Anpuku & Qineizang in Warsaw -11-13th of September 26 - 22 April 2026
