{"id":724,"date":"2026-08-27T08:20:12","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T08:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/?p=724"},"modified":"2026-08-27T08:47:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T08:47:55","slug":"shiatsu-massage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/shiatsu-massage\/","title":{"rendered":"Shiatsu Massage: Where the Term Comes From and What Makes It Unique"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"71\" data-end=\"441\"><strong data-start=\"71\" data-end=\"90\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong> is a distinctive Japanese massage technique based mainly on the application of steady, controlled pressure using the fingers, palms, and in some cases other parts of the hands. Unlike many Western massage styles, Shiatsu does not rely primarily on continuous rubbing movements, but rather on pressure applied to specific points and areas of the body.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"443\" data-end=\"613\">Even the word <strong data-start=\"457\" data-end=\"468\">Shiatsu<\/strong> itself describes the basic principle of the technique. It comes from the Japanese words <em data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"562\">shi<\/em>, meaning \u201cfinger,\u201d and <em data-start=\"586\" data-end=\"592\">atsu<\/em>, meaning \u201cpressure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"615\" data-end=\"744\">But what makes <strong data-start=\"630\" data-end=\"649\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong> different from a traditional massage, and what are the main characteristics of this technique?<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"j77p35\" data-start=\"746\" data-end=\"795\">Where Does the Term Shiatsu Massage Come From?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"797\" data-end=\"877\">The word <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Shiatsu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"806\" data-end=\"817\">Shiatsu<\/strong><\/a> is of Japanese origin and is made up of two basic elements:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"917\">\n<li data-section-id=\"e0a4r5\" data-start=\"879\" data-end=\"896\"><strong data-start=\"881\" data-end=\"889\">Shi:<\/strong> finger<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"t3ivgk\" data-start=\"897\" data-end=\"917\"><strong data-start=\"899\" data-end=\"908\">Atsu:<\/strong> pressure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"919\" data-end=\"981\">The term can therefore be translated as <strong data-start=\"959\" data-end=\"981\">\u201cfinger pressure.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"983\" data-end=\"1188\">The name is directly related to the way the technique is performed. During a <strong data-start=\"1060\" data-end=\"1079\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong>, the therapist mainly uses the thumbs and palms to apply controlled pressure to different areas of the body.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1190\" data-end=\"1348\">Shiatsu developed in Japan and was influenced by older Japanese massage practices, as well as by traditional Eastern concepts related to the body and balance.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1hvymni\" data-start=\"1350\" data-end=\"1386\">How Is Shiatsu Massage Performed?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1388\" data-end=\"1494\">In <strong data-start=\"1391\" data-end=\"1410\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong>, the therapist applies rhythmic and steady pressure to different areas of the body.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1496\" data-end=\"1526\">Pressure may be applied using:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1528\" data-end=\"1637\">\n<li data-section-id=\"12gmivc\" data-start=\"1528\" data-end=\"1541\">the thumbs,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"27lp3z\" data-start=\"1542\" data-end=\"1556\">the fingers,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"fnndz2\" data-start=\"1557\" data-end=\"1569\">the palms,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"v6h6ct\" data-start=\"1570\" data-end=\"1582\">the hands,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1x3klpb\" data-start=\"1583\" data-end=\"1637\">and, depending on the style or school, the forearms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1639\" data-end=\"1739\">The movements are usually more controlled and stationary compared with a classic relaxation massage.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1954\">In many forms of Shiatsu, the session takes place on a mat or special surface, and the client may remain fully clothed in comfortable clothing, as the technique does not necessarily require the use of massage oil.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"dul70c\" data-start=\"1956\" data-end=\"1993\">What Makes Shiatsu Massage Unique?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1995\" data-end=\"2073\">The main characteristic of <strong data-start=\"2022\" data-end=\"2041\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong> is the way pressure is applied.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2075\" data-end=\"2197\">In a traditional massage, the therapist usually uses continuous strokes, kneading, and gliding movements over the muscles.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2337\">In Shiatsu, by contrast, the therapist may remain on a specific point for a short period of time, applying steady and controlled pressure.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2339\" data-end=\"2410\">This creates a different sensation, as the experience is based more on:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2412\" data-end=\"2507\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1wft84k\" data-start=\"2412\" data-end=\"2441\">pressure on specific areas,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"8ycn1y\" data-start=\"2442\" data-end=\"2451\">rhythm,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1qswj88\" data-start=\"2452\" data-end=\"2476\">precision of movement,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1qi6qkk\" data-start=\"2477\" data-end=\"2507\">and adjustment of intensity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2509\" data-end=\"2617\">This is one of the main reasons why Shiatsu feels noticeably different from many Western massage techniques.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1od1yxm\" data-start=\"2619\" data-end=\"2657\">Shiatsu Massage and Pressure Points<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2659\" data-end=\"2749\">One of the most distinctive features of <strong data-start=\"2699\" data-end=\"2718\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong> is the use of pressure points.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2751\" data-end=\"2904\">The therapist works on different areas of the body using steady pressure, mainly relying on body weight rather than applying force only with the fingers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2906\" data-end=\"3016\">This allows the pressure to remain controlled and consistent without necessarily feeling abrupt or aggressive.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3292\">Traditional Shiatsu philosophy also refers to energy pathways or \u201cmeridians.\u201d From a modern scientific perspective, however, these ideas belong to the traditional theoretical framework of the technique and should not be confused with anatomical structures of the human body.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1gyx1cu\" data-start=\"3294\" data-end=\"3362\">Shiatsu Massage vs Traditional Massage: What Are the Differences?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3480\"><strong data-start=\"3364\" data-end=\"3383\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong> and traditional massage differ both in the way they are performed and in the overall experience.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3517\">Traditional massage often involves:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3519\" data-end=\"3589\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1sy0nh5\" data-start=\"3519\" data-end=\"3542\">continuous movements,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1scuqg1\" data-start=\"3543\" data-end=\"3554\">kneading,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1dldmlf\" data-start=\"3555\" data-end=\"3565\">rubbing,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1o024h2\" data-start=\"3566\" data-end=\"3589\">massage oil or cream.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3626\">Shiatsu places greater emphasis on:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3628\" data-end=\"3738\">\n<li data-section-id=\"inh8rj\" data-start=\"3628\" data-end=\"3646\">steady pressure,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ed3uga\" data-start=\"3647\" data-end=\"3677\">the use of thumbs and palms,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1f839lv\" data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"3708\">the rhythm of the technique,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"15xodc2\" data-start=\"3709\" data-end=\"3738\">specific areas of the body.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3740\" data-end=\"3836\">In addition, Shiatsu can be performed without oil, and in many cases the client remains clothed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3838\" data-end=\"3931\">For this reason, the overall experience is quite different from a classic relaxation massage.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1h0eyad\" data-start=\"3933\" data-end=\"3988\">Shiatsu Massage vs Ashiatsu: What Is the Difference?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3990\" data-end=\"4083\">The names <strong data-start=\"4000\" data-end=\"4011\">Shiatsu<\/strong> and <a href=\"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/ashiatsu-masaz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong data-start=\"4016\" data-end=\"4028\">Ashiatsu<\/strong><\/a> sound similar, but they describe different techniques.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4085\" data-end=\"4141\">The difference can even be seen in the words themselves.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4143\" data-end=\"4155\"><strong data-start=\"4143\" data-end=\"4155\">Shiatsu:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4156\" data-end=\"4188\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1887wnq\" data-start=\"4156\" data-end=\"4170\">Shi = finger<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1llcwdf\" data-start=\"4171\" data-end=\"4188\">Atsu = pressure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4190\" data-end=\"4203\"><strong data-start=\"4190\" data-end=\"4203\">Ashiatsu:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4235\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1g6xsqc\" data-start=\"4204\" data-end=\"4217\">Ashi = foot<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1llcwdf\" data-start=\"4218\" data-end=\"4235\">Atsu = pressure<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4237\" data-end=\"4315\">In <strong data-start=\"4240\" data-end=\"4259\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong>, pressure is mainly applied with the fingers and palms.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4317\" data-end=\"4389\">In Ashiatsu, by contrast, the feet are primarily used to apply pressure.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4531\">So, although both techniques are based on the concept of pressure, the method of application and the overall experience are quite different.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"s59hc0\" data-start=\"4533\" data-end=\"4576\">Why Does Shiatsu Massage Feel Different?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4578\" data-end=\"4676\">The uniqueness of Shiatsu lies mainly in the combination of steady pressure and controlled rhythm.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4678\" data-end=\"4705\">The experience is based on:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4707\" data-end=\"4949\">\n<li data-section-id=\"tlm1jp\" data-start=\"4707\" data-end=\"4753\">pressure applied with the fingers and palms,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1fj559a\" data-start=\"4754\" data-end=\"4785\">targeted pressure techniques,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"gnefzt\" data-start=\"4786\" data-end=\"4836\">gradual transfer of the therapist\u2019s body weight,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"19g6jd6\" data-start=\"4837\" data-end=\"4880\">the absence of fast or intense movements,<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"10cl7et\" data-start=\"4881\" data-end=\"4949\">and adjustment of intensity according to the client\u2019s preferences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4951\" data-end=\"5174\">As a result, <strong data-start=\"4964\" data-end=\"4983\">Shiatsu massage<\/strong> can be an interesting choice for people who want to experience something different from a traditional massage and prefer a session based more on steady pressure than on continuous movements.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"u0xhng\" data-start=\"5176\" data-end=\"5227\">Frequently Asked Questions About Shiatsu Massage<\/h2>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"e1jirr\" data-start=\"5229\" data-end=\"5264\">What does Shiatsu massage mean?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5266\" data-end=\"5412\">The word Shiatsu comes from Japanese. <em data-start=\"5304\" data-end=\"5309\">Shi<\/em> means \u201cfinger\u201d and <em data-start=\"5329\" data-end=\"5335\">atsu<\/em> means \u201cpressure.\u201d The term can therefore be translated as \u201cfinger pressure.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"s89gnh\" data-start=\"5414\" data-end=\"5451\">How is Shiatsu massage performed?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5453\" data-end=\"5577\">The therapist applies steady, rhythmic pressure to different areas of the body, mainly using the thumbs, fingers, and palms.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1n54myv\" data-start=\"5579\" data-end=\"5614\">Is oil used in Shiatsu massage?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5616\" data-end=\"5734\">Usually not. In many Shiatsu sessions, no oil is used and the client can remain fully clothed in comfortable clothing.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"1iaiuu4\" data-start=\"5736\" data-end=\"5811\">What is the difference between Shiatsu massage and traditional massage?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5813\" data-end=\"5976\">Traditional massage relies more on continuous strokes and kneading, while Shiatsu places greater emphasis on steady pressure applied to specific areas of the body.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"97bcos\" data-start=\"5978\" data-end=\"6022\">Is Shiatsu massage the same as Ashiatsu?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6024\" data-end=\"6128\">No. Shiatsu mainly uses the fingers and palms to apply pressure, while Ashiatsu primarily uses the feet.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"sjqbsv\" data-start=\"6130\" data-end=\"6168\">What makes Shiatsu massage unique?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"6170\" data-end=\"6374\">The use of steady, controlled pressure, the distinctive rhythm, and the fact that the session can be performed without oil create an experience that is quite different from traditional massage techniques.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shiatsu massage is a distinctive Japanese massage technique based mainly on the application of steady, controlled pressure using the fingers, palms, and in some cases other parts of the hands. Unlike many Western massage styles, Shiatsu does not rely primarily on continuous rubbing movements, but rather on pressure applied to specific points and areas of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":720,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-724","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/724","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=724"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/724\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":733,"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/724\/revisions\/733"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/720"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=724"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=724"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dmmassage.gr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=724"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}