Guest blogger and ex-sneezer Ross Oakes

Ross, a retired school teacher and blogger, credits Shiatsu for nearly eradicating his hay fever. Sinus Sister opens her mind and listens:

 ”For over 25 years I struggled with Hay Fever every Autumn. None of the medications or shots ever really worked. As a dynamic high school teacher and later as a Chaplain I was always sick for 4 to 6 weeks just when I returned to work after a 2-month summer vacation. My energy levels were very low, my body was a mess, I couldn’t sleep well at night…my ribs were sore from sneezing and on bad days I felt that my whole body was under attack. However, when I discovered Shiatsu and especially Namikoshi Shiatsu, my situation changed dramatically. With regular Shiatsu treatments over a period of 5 years and an amazing nasal rinse with lukewarm water and dissolved sea salt, I finally defeated hay fever for good. Every year when this allergy season begins I get hit with all the symptoms for 48 hours. Then my immune system kicks in strongly and I am free of serious symptoms completely. The odd sneeze and once in a while a runny nose at times is nothing to me when I remember how sick I was every single day, morning, afternoon and evening with no possible escape and nowhere to hide. Shiatsu treatments saved me from a terrible seasonal nightmare!

During a Shiatsu treatment pressure is applied to various lymph glands of the body.This stimulates these glands to release cells and chemicals which fight foreign invaders to the body such as allergens.

A trained Namikoshi Shiatsu therapist follows a mapped out series of points over the whole body. The therapist presses on these points with his thumbs primarily and also with his fingers and palms with just the right amount of pressure. This whole-body therapy both supports and when needed triggers wellness in all of the body’s organ systems. One of these systems, the Lymphatic System, has a major role to play in the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system (blood circulation) and of the immune system (body defense and resistance to disease). Overall a full-body Shiatsu treatment stimulates increased blood circulation throughout the body. The powerful disease fighting elements of the immune system are transported via blood circulation. Hence with an increase in circulation more immune agents are carried throughout the body to wherever they are needed. During a Shiatsu treatment pressure is also applied to various lymph glands of the body. This stimulates these glands to release cells and chemicals which fight foreign invaders to the body such as allergens. Overall this combination of glandular stimulation and increased blood circulation produces therapeutic results in the body.”

Well, I’m game. Sinus Sister opens her Outlook Express and makes a Shiatsu appointment in Toronto for Sunday, October 2nd.