Shiatsu (/ʃiˈæts-, -ˈɑːtsuː/ shee-AT-, -⁠AHT-soo;[1] 指圧) is a form of Japanese bodywork based on concepts in traditional Chinese medicine such as qi meridians.

Having been popularized in the twentieth century by Tokujiro Namikoshi (1905–2000),[2] shiatsu derives from the older Japanese massage modality called anma.

Shiatsu techniques include massages with fingers, thumbs, elbows, knuckles, feet and palms; acupressure, assisted stretching; and joint manipulation and mobilization.

[2] However, the state of the evidence on its efficacy for treating any malady is poor, and one recent systematic review did not find shiatsu to be effective for any particular health condition.

[12] It is generally considered safe, though some studies have reported negative effects after a treatment with shiatsu,[2] and examples of serious health complications exist including one case of thrombosis, one embolism, and a documented injury from a "shiatsu-type massaging machine".

[17] Prior to the emergence of shiatsu in Japan, masseurs were often nomadic, earning their keep in mobile massage capacities, and paying commissions to their referrers.

Additionally, writer and advocate for blind rights Helen Keller, on being made aware of the prohibition, interceded with the United States government; at her urging, the ban was rescinded.

A student and teacher of Namikoshi's school, Shizuto Masunaga, brought to shiatsu a traditional eastern medicine and philosophic framework.