When I was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer my immediate reactions were, I imagine, similar to most peoples’, that is a mixture of shock, hopelessness, and resignation. I imagined my body’s defences to be puny and inadequate against it, and the treatment to be harsh, not very effective, and often worse than the disease itself.

After quite a long period of very low spirits, and three courses of ineffective chemotherapy, I went to the Bristol Centre and took part in one of their five-day retreats. That was the beginning of my seeing things through different eyes, and making up my mind that I was going to take some control back and make a more positive contribution to my own recovery. After a good deal of reading and exploration, I decided on a package that I thought would be best for me and that included shiatsu. This was to be the therapy of my choice that would complement chemotherapy. I did not at any time wish to abandon conventional medicine and indeed have had a fourth series of infusions since.

I had not actually experienced shiatsu before contacting Dominic, so I cannot say what drew me to this particular practice. I think, however, that when one is genuinely and deeply seeking what is best for one as an individual, from a physical, mental and spiritual point of view, some sort of intuition or inner wisdom takes over. Dominic was recommended to me by my herbalist, to whom I happened to mention I was thinking about shiatsu. I had no idea what to expect or what was involved, and so I went into my first session on trust. I did not have any particular expectations or requirements.

I think it would be true to say of most therapies that one session is probably not enough to be able to form any conclusion as to whether it is going to be beneficial or not. I expect it will vary from person to person, but I would think that two or three sessions of shiatsu or ‘settling in period’ might be required. I would also think it would not be the choice of anybody, who for whatever reason, is uncomfortable with being touched, as it is a very ‘hands on’ therapy. I also think it would be very important to find a practitioner with whom one can communicate or feel there is some rapport. A situation of trust definitely needs to exist.

I think what I get from shiatsu is, above all, a sense of being brought back into balance. This carries with it a sense of peace, calm, and confidence in what one is trying to achieve, that is a return to full health. The overall effect is a remarkable sort of double state or contradiction in terms – a quiet tranquility, coupled with a huge surge of energy, and a feeling of exhilaration and being invigorated. I feel more relaxed physically, reassured emotionally, and enlightened spiritually.

As my tumours are near to my Liver and my Kidneys, I ask Dominic to concentrate on boosting and strengthening the function of these organs. Also I ask him to help with keeping my energy levels high, as this is vital to boost the function of my immune system to maintain the destruction of cancer cells. At my last scan, in May, my tumours were shrinking.

I don’t imagine shiatsu will be for everybody, each person has to devise their own package of therapies and decide what suits them best. However, I am convinced I have made the right decision to include shiatsu in my regimen.

From a shiatsu patient who has cancer