The Practitioners within the Cross-European Shiatsu Study. Their Characteristics and an Insight into Their Practice

This report presents the findings from the postal questionnaire survey of practitioners who participated in the three country, longitudinal, cohort study of the effects and experience of shiatsu (Long 2007). The purpose of the survey was to provide a context in which to situate the findings from the client-reported experiences and effects of shiatsu and to provide insight into possible practitioner variation in practice style as delivered and as part of usual practice. The report is divided into five sections. Section One outlines the methods. Section Two provides details on the characteristics of the participating practitioners, in relation to socio-demographic features, time in practice, training in other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities and working status. Section Three provides insight into the way that the practitioners give shiatsu and other advice or treatments they provide. Section Four details features of the environment in which the practitioners give shiatsu and the ways in which they make it a safe and supportive place. Section Five draws out the main conclusions from the survey.