Fujisaki,N. and Fujisaki,M. (2004). The three principles of Shiatsu therapy and their effects. Shiatsu Society News 91:10-11. Comment: This article has been included as requested by the Shiatsu Society UK to provide some background information. 5. Furlan,A.D., Brosseau,L., Imamura,M., and Irvin,E. (2002). Massage for low-back pain [Systematic Review]. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Abstract: Background:, Low-back pain is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal problems in modern society. Proponents of massage therapy claim it can minimize pain and disability, and speed return to normal function. Objectives:, To assess the effects of massage therapy for non-specific low-back pain., Search strategy:, We searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, HealthSTAR, CINAHL and Dissertation abstracts from their beginning to May 2001 with no language restrictions. References in the included studies and in reviews of the literature were screened. Contact with content experts and massage associations was also made., Selection criteria:, The studies had to be randomized or quasi-randomized trials investigating the use of any type of massage (using the hands or a mechanical device) as a treatment for non-specific low-back pain., Data collection and analysis:, Two authors blinded to authors, journal and institutions selected the studies, assessed the methodological quality using the criteria recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group, and extracted the data using standardised forms. The studies were analysed in a qualitative way due to heterogeneity of population, massage technique, comparison groups, timing and type of outcome measured., Main results:, Nine publications reporting on eight randomized trials were included. Three had low and five had high methodological quality scores. One study was published in German and the rest in English. Massage was compared to an inert treatment (sham laser) in one study that showed that massage was superior, especially if given in combination with exercises and education. In the other seven studies, massage was compared to different active treatments. They showed that massage was inferior to manipulation and TENS; massage was equal to corsets and exercises; and massage was superior to relaxation therapy, acupuncture and self-care education. The beneficial effects of massage in patients with chronic low-back pain lasted at least one year 206 after the end of the treatment. One study comparing two different techniques of massage concluded in favour of acupuncture massage over classic (Swedish) massage., Conclusions:, Massage might be beneficial for patients with subacute and chronic non-specific low-back pain, especially when combined with exercises and education. The evidence suggests that acupuncture massage is more effective than classic massage, but this need confirmation. More studies are needed to confirm these conclusions and to assess the impact of massage on return-to-work, and to measure longer term effects to determine costeffectiveness of massage as an intervention for low-back pain Comment: This review referred to a conference abstract for an on going trial from 1998 investigating the ‘Effectiveness of back school or Shiatsu massage reflex therapy on chronic low back pain: a prospective randomised controlled blind trial – Mandala 2001’ No further publications for this trial have been found. 6. Galantino,M.L., Boothroyd,C., and Lucci,S. (2003). Complementary and alternative medicine interventions for the orthopedic patient: A review of the literature. Seminars in Integrative Medicine.Vol.1 (2): 65-79. Abstract: New branches of established disciplines are continually being developed to help patients with chronic orthopedic ailments. What is thought to be conventional treatment varies between countries and changes over time. Therefore the boundary between complementary and conventional medicine remains blurred and constantly shifting. This article reviews the most frequently used CAM interventions for the orthopedic population and will include the use of massage, acupuncture, herbal medication, nutrition, chiropractic, osteopathy, Shiatsu, prayer/spirituality, visualization, hypnosis, relaxation, biofeedback, and various forms of exercise (e.g., Feldenkrais method, tai chi, and yoga). Comment: This review includes a two page section on Shiatsu and spinal manipulation as therapies for low back pain and refers to one of the studies that have been reviewed as evidence: Brady,L.H., Henry,K., Luth,J.F., and Casper-Bruett,K.K. (2001). The effects of Shiatsu on lower back pain. J Holist Nurs 19:57-70. 7. Harris,P.E. and Pooley,N. (1998). What do Shiatsu practitioners treat? A nationwide survey. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 6(1):30-35. Abstract: Objective: The study aimed to survey the illness-conditions presenting for Shiatsu treatment. Design: A nation-wide questionnaire survey was conducted of all qualified Shiatsu practitioners registered with the Shiatsu Society UK. Methods: Client and practitioner questionnaires were piloted during a preliminary stage. In the main survey, all registered Shiatsu practitioners in the UK (n = 397) were asked to complete structured questionnaires about themselves and three of their clients. Results: in the nation-wide survey 288