Shiatsu and cancer prevention.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a total of almost 10 million deaths were attributed in 2020, equivalent to almost 1 in every 6 deaths recorded.

Shiatsu as a preventive tool. The International Agency for Research on Cancer estimated that around 18 million new cases will be diagnosed globally in 2020 and this figure will rise to 27 million over the next 20 years.

The most common types of cancer are breast, lung, colon and rectum, and prostate cancer and up to one-third of cancer deaths can be linked to the tobacco useconsumption of alcoholto the obesity and habits as a feeding and a lack of physical activity, according to data from the WHO.

Shiatsu and cancer prevention. Life expectancy and technological developments.

It may come as a surprise that, in general, higher cancer rates occur in countries with longer life expectancy and higher levels of education and standard of living.

How can this be? People's natural reaction should be one of suspicion, surprise or even anger at this fact. Sadly, however, it seems to be accepted without questioning what is happening.

It is indisputable that advances in medicine and technology have greatly aided in the health and well-being of people. However, it should also make us reflect that no matter how many drugs are developed and no matter how much technology progresses, the incidence of cancer, and other diseases such as ischaemic heart disease, is increasing and part of that is linked to the lifestyle we lead in our society today.

It is true that our life expectancy has lengthened, but it's not like we're going to make it to 100 or 200 years. Most of us, or at least I, would be satisfied if we reached 80 or 90 years of age, as long as it is with a good quality of life. Although, given the trend, surely some cardiorespiratory pathology could accompany us and thus, we would have the typical end that we have in today's society.

This has made me reflect for years, that most of the functions of the human body are still primitive and instinctivethat we do not evolve as fast as technology and that the negative impact of the changes we are undergoing as a society (eating worse, exercising less, living under more stress, in short) can be mitigated if we correct these inadequate habits, balance our vital energy and learn to living in harmony with nature.

Because really, the estimates of the incidence of cancers and deaths due to it, without going into the impact on the quality of life of patients, are truly shocking.

With this in mind, and moving on to the practical, I suggest the third medicine: the preventive medicine.

The lessons are very simple and clear. For example: "Zu Kan Soku Netsu" in Japanese, which means "cool head and warm feet".or "Naga Iki" which means "Naga Iki" or "Naga Iki" which means "Naga Iki" which means "Naga Iki".a long breath, leads to a long life".

We all live only one life and the most important thing for a dignified life is health.

For my profession I would, of course, recommend to receive one Shiatsu session per week in a preventive manner.

The Shiatsu as a prevention tool. The Shiatsu is a manual therapy of Japanese origin that aims to maintain and improve health by focusing on the prevention as it helps to balance the body in a holistic way, while also improving the posture and flexibility of muscles and joints. It acts on the bodythe mind and the emotions.

In addition to this, I would like to share some daily practices that are recommended in oriental medicine to maintain good health, based on their philosophy and customs.

For example, in oriental medicine, the word "TEATE" "treatment"means "to lay hands". The word "BYOUKI" "disease" refers to "vital energy disorders".

Let's think, what conditions would favour the development of certain types of cancer?

Firstly, the hypoxiaor decreased oxygen supply to a tissue.

The aforementioned lesson, "a long breath leads to a long life"This means that inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly is the right way to breathe and, consequently, to have a healthier and longer life.

We could easily imagine a frail or sick person breathing very weakly.

To maintain a healthy body, abdominal breathing is important, which is done from the "tanden", a vital region located three fingers below the navel, the area where the centre of our vital energy is located according to oriental philosophy.

Each phase of breathing is linked to certain organs and a defined bodily energy: inhalation to the liver and kidney, pause to the spleen and exhalation to the heart and lung.

Secondly, a low body temperature.

In order for our body and immune cells to function properly, a body temperature of approximately 36,5ºC.

Occasionally, the body temperature will rise as defence mechanism. For example, fever is a natural reaction of the body to an aggression, such as an infection, and involves the activation of immune system cells and antibodies to fight it. Hypothermia, or low body temperature, can lower the immune system's capacity.

Ancient Eastern meanings that identify with a healthy body are, for example, "Zu Kan Soku Netsu" (cool head, warm feet), named above, and "Jyo Kyo Ka Jitsu" (the upper body relaxed and empty, the lower body full and firm).

Both mean that it is important to keep the head or the upper part of the body relaxed and clear, and the feet or the lower part hot, firm and full of energy.

In conclusion, hypoxia and hypothermia may lead to a poorer immune response and thus alter the immune response of the patient. balance of our body.

Things are very simple: let's be careful not to cool the body and let's practise the abdominal breathing.

In short, correcting unhealthy habits and avoiding hypoxia and hypothermia are the basis for maintaining a healthy life, and it is in our hands to reduce the chances of contracting certain cancers and other diseases.