History

Shiatsu, the principal technique of Japanese massage, began in China for several thousand years past. During those days, doctors weren't paid to provide cure to sick people but to keep them healthy. When a person becomes ill the doctors give treatment without charge. Five types of treatment can possibly be employed, namely: moxa, acupuncture, curving with stones, medicines and herbs, and anma (massage). Shiatsu is an outgrowth of anma. This traditional massage of early China got its way to Japan that consequently was accepted and modified by the Japanese.

Anma has been employed for a long time as an approach in dealing with many common illnesses, aches and pains also taking care of more critical diseases. With the contribution of new influences coming from Western science and traditional Eastern medicine, anma has slowly evolved to what is today called as shiatsu.

In the west, there are various styles of shiatsu identified, namely: Shiatsu-Do, barefoot shiatsu, Namikoshi style, macrobiotic shiatsu, Ohashiatsu, and Zen shiatsu. These different styles employ the basic shiatsu principles but with various emphasis placed on philosophy or techniques. Japan presently has more than 87,000 registered shiatsu practitioners. Showing the idea that this type of massage is effective in the deterrence and cure of disease.

It has only been now that it has acquired acceptance and popularity, with people becoming conscious of its presence and advantages.