Shiatsu is an ancient form of therapy designed to relieve stress and promote healing of bodily ailment. Shiatsu’s origin dates back over 2000 years ago in China. It is a form of acupuncture without the use of any needles. It is a form of massage therapy using primarily the fingertips, thus obtaining the Japanese name of shi, which means finger and atsu, which means pressure.
Similar to acupressure, its difference lies in the placement of the massage. In acupressure, the massage is done primarily over the acupoint. In Shiatsu, the massage offers a greater range of massage and extends beyond these points. Shiatsu also involves stretching and manipulating of the body. The movements in a Shiatsu massage are accomplished through increasing pressure in a rhythmic pattern. The hands are used to apply a “holding pressure” with gradual release. This holding pressure would be much along the lines of a more spiritual touch.
Like acupressure, shiatsu follows the principles regarding energy flow through energy channels or meridians. In the practice of oriental medicine, they believe that humans have a life energy or force. This force commands our entire stability of the body, including our physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects. 
This energy flow keeps our bodies in balance. When our bodies suffer any type of turmoil such as an injury or stress related disturbances we upset this life energy. This is believed to be what causes us to suffer from a variety of health related problems. The relief of applied shiatsu has been known to bring the body back into balance thereby relieving us of our health related problems.
Touching someone in a gentle or caring way has been known to do wonders for the body. It has been known to heal premature infants and make people thrive when all hope has been lost. The touching in shiatsu follows these same healing principles. Shiatsu, therefore, can also be referred to as a form of touch therapy.
The more modern version of shiatsu applies somewhat of a more involved type of massage, which includes the ancient style as well as the modern version. This modern version includes more movements that can include vibrating, grasping, shaking movements, as well as other types of movement. It, as well, can include the practice of walking on someone’s back, which is known as the barefoot shiatsu version.
Used as an alternative form of therapy, it is safe and does offer relief according to its faithful followers. However, as with any new type of treatment, it is always recommended to seek the advice of your physician before attempting this form of therapy. This is just a safety precaution to rule out any complications pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Resources:
International Business Times: All About Shiatsu Massage Techniques
http://www.ibtimes.com/all-about-shiatsu-massage-techniques-183810
Portland Shiatsu: What is Shiatsu
http://www.portlandshiatsu.com/index.php?page=what-is-shiatsu
Therapy Directory: Shiatsu
http://www.therapy-directory.org.uk/articles/shiatsu.html
Shiatsu Wellness center
http://shiatsuwellnesscenter.com/aboutshiatsu.html
University of Minnesota: Shiatsu
http://takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/shiatsu
Restore the Balance of Energy
http://heartfeltshiatsu.com/all-about-shiatsu/
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