- Shiatsu is a form of massage that originated in Japan and has it's roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Shiatsu (in Japanese) means “finger pressure,” which describes the technique consisting of finger and palm pressure, and stretches along specific meridians and points. Shiatsu helps remove blockages of energy by realigning meridian points, which balances the qi (energy) and eases the body and mind to allow for healing. The recipient is fully clothed.