Shiatsu Therapy: Methods, Meaning & Treatment

Deep Pressure at a Rhythmic Pace

Shiatsu therapy is the traditional therapeutic form of Asian massage that uses deep penetrating pressure to stimulate the Acupressure points. Releasing these healing points opens the flow of energy in the meridians and also increases the circulation of the blood. This nourishes the internal organs, endocrine glands, muscles, nerves, and the vital centers of the body.

Shiatsu Meaning

The Japanese word Shiatsu is composed of “shi,” meaning finger and “atsu,” meaning pressure. This traditional art of finger pressure releases muscle tension and toxicity. It enhances the vital life energy, the ki or chi, that sustains all aspects of health of the body and mind. Shiatsu is the most well-known style of Acupressure in the Western hemisphere.

Shiatsu Therapy Methods

There are many varied ways to give Shiatsu treatments, as different Shiatsu Masters developed their own techniques. All Shiatsu methods and styles have similarities, but by changing the rhythms, pressures, and methods, the different styles of Shiatsu therapy were created.

Here are two major Shiatsu methods:

Zen Shiatsu practitioners employ many techniques, including firm pressure, stretching and rocking, to prevent stress, pain, tension, and stiffness. Zen Shiatsu aims to balance the body's energy flow (qi) and promotes overall wellbeing.


Barefoot Shiatsu mostly uses the feet and knees to give a full bodywork session. Firm, sustained, rythmic pressure are applied to the fascia and muscle tissue of the recipient. The stretching and meridian pathways are used to focus on releasing muscular tension.

Masunaga, the founder of Zen Shiatsu, used the following techniques that differentiate Zen Shiatsu from other forms of Shiatsu:

A Shiatsu Therapy Treatment

A professional Shiatsu practitioner will be able to individualize each treatment based on a person’s condition. This sensitivity is achieved through the practice of giving Shiatsu treatments and learning how to harmonize the yin and yang forces within the body.

Rhythmic pressure is maintained throughout the treatment. Various areas of the body are pressed firmly for 3 to 6 seconds. The pressure should be gradual and slow in meeting the muscular tension in the body.

A skillful Shiatsu practitioner concentrates on applying the pressure gracefully into each level of muscle tissue. A balanced amount of pressure should “hurt good,” a feeling somewhere between pain and pleasure.

Deep relaxation is the key for obtaining the maximum benefits from Shiatsu therapy. How deeply the recipient relaxes and treats him or herself after the treatment is what actually heals the body.

To receive the maximum benefits, completely relax for 30 to 60 minutes after a Shiatsu treatment. Deep relaxation is necessary to rebalance the body's healing energy flow after the Shiatsu session.