Shiatsu literally means «finger pressure» (Shi-Atsu). It’s a japanese manual therapy, using pressures in rhythm, with mainly the thumbs, but also with the palms of the hands, the elbow, or the knee for example, on the whole human body, using the same theory as japanese traditional medicine. Stretch could also be used if it’s needed.
Shiatsu appeared at the beginning of the 20th century in Japan, it’s a combination of Anma (traditional massage) and chiropractic from the West.
It is one of the eight alternative approaches, in the A4-0075/97 resolution of the European Parliament, voted in 1997, May the 29th, as a «conventional medicine worthy of interest».