Irresponsible Shiatsu
Tracy writing on her Shiatsu blog asks the question is Shiatsu under threat? and links to several articles discussing the repression of alternative therapies in France. I recommend that you read her post if you are interested in the future of alternative medicine.
In the UK we have already seen reports of the NHS limiting to treatment for those who smoke and are obese. Are we seeing a situation where the state as the provider of healthcare dictates how we live in order to access those services? If you are deemed to have harmed yourself can the state deny you treatment?
In respect to Tracy’s article one could include alternative therapies in this argument. I don’t think the UK will follow France and attempt to restrict alternative medicines soon; but there is a vocal group of opponents to these therapies in the NHS. What if the opinion was formed that a reliance on alternative medicine was itself irresponsible?
Tony Brown @ June 11, 2007
Partly it boils down to whether you view shiatsu as alternative or complimentary. If someone is not taking necessary medication for some condition because they are “treating” the condition with shiatsu then that’s dangerous.
If shiatsu is complimenting their medical therapy then there’s no big deal.