Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning "finger pressure". Although there are several different types of shiatsu, they all share a basic technique: pointed pressure given with the thumb. Shiatsu pressure may also be applied with the fingers, palm, elbows, knees and heels of the feet. It is traditionally done without any oil on a mat on the floor. Often in shiatsu this pressure is very deep, which makes it an effective tool for working deep muscle strains and pains in areas like the back that can tolerate the pressure.
     Shiatsu, in some form or other, has been used in Japan for centuries. New styles and approaches to shiatsu are constantly being created. In its oldest form, it is a local evolution of Chinese massage, and as such works with the Chinese system of energetic anatomy, the meridians. In this type of work the shiatsu practitioner is pressing points on the surface of the body that correspond to points on the meridians with the intent of balancing the flow of life energy throughout your body. Another major type of shiatsu does not use the meridian system and instead uses the same kind of pointed pressure to relieve muscle tension, release nerve impingements, and treat muscle injuries. Here the practitioner's pressure is manually stretching and dissolving muscle knots. This type of shiatsu was first developed in the early part of this century and is much more Western in approach, using theories of modern medicine as its grounding.
     Any type of shiatsu my seem a bit painful, "pokey", and the opposite of relaxing when first experienced. For many people, though, it is a very effective way to deal with deep pain and becomes a regularly requested technique. At New Seattle Massage shiatsu is usually done on a massage table, rather than on the floor, and is often combined with other massage techniques as appropriate.