Shiatsu Massage Therapy is a bodywork that originated in Japan. It is practiced on the reflex points (acupressure points) of the body. Shiatsu is based on the concept of Qi; Qi is the vital life force that drives all life activity, and it is believed that health problems occur when qi flows are obstructed.

A Shiatsu therapist applies pressure on the body’s meridians, parts of the body believed to be energy channels, to balance or unblock the flow of energy (Qi). The therapist mainly uses their thumbs, fingers, and palms —hence its name Shiatsu, which means "finger pressure" in Japanese—but also with their elbows and forearms. Shiatsu is done fully clothed, so while the client is laying down on a massage table in loose fitted clothes, the therapist uses various techniques such as compression, kneading, squeezing, and stretching. Shiatsu is a dry massage, which means the treatment is done without using oil or lotion.

The benefits of Shiatsu are improving a person’s overall health, relieving tension and pain, improving digestive and respiratory functions, helping with insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and depression. Shiatsu style massage is covered by private health insurance as massage therapy when provided by an RMT.