shiatsu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical / Healthcare / Wellness
Quick answer
What does “shiatsu” mean?
A form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan that uses finger pressure, applied to specific points on the body, to promote healing and relaxation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan that uses finger pressure, applied to specific points on the body, to promote healing and relaxation.
Shiatsu is a holistic therapy rooted in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. It aims to balance the body's energy flow (known as 'qi' or 'ki') along pathways called meridians. It is sometimes considered a form of acupressure and is used for stress relief, pain management, and improving general well-being.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the loanword identically.
Connotations
In both regions, it connotes alternative or complementary medicine, holistic health, and Eastern therapeutic traditions.
Frequency
Similar, medium-to-low frequency in general discourse, but common within wellness, spa, and alternative therapy contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shiatsu” in a Sentence
[Verb] + shiatsu (have/receive/perform/practice/study shiatsu)[Adjective] + shiatsu (Japanese/traical/therapeutic shiatsu)shiatsu + [Noun] (shiatsu therapist/session/point)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shiatsu” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The therapist will shiatsu the points along the bladder meridian.
- He is trained to shiatsu effectively.
American English
- She shiatsued my shoulders to relieve the tension.
- I prefer when they shiatsu more deeply.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use. The term is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use. The term is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- She took a shiatsu certification course.
- The clinic offers shiatsu treatment.
American English
- He bought a shiatsu massage cushion for his chair.
- They follow shiatsu principles in their work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the wellness industry, spa management, and holistic health marketing.
Academic
Found in papers on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), physiotherapy, and East Asian studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing health treatments, spa visits, or stress management techniques.
Technical
Used in manuals for massage therapy, descriptions of meridians and tsubo (pressure points), and CAM practitioner training.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shiatsu”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shiatsu”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shiatsu”
- Misspelling as 'shiotsu', 'shiatzu', or 'shiatsu massage' (redundant for some, but common collocation).
- Mispronunciation with /s/ instead of /ʃ/ (e.g., 'see-atsu').
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'I had three shiatsus last month') is non-standard; prefer 'three shiatsu sessions'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While it involves touch and manipulation, shiatsu is a distinct therapy focused on applying pressure to specific points to influence energy flow, rather than kneading muscles for relaxation. It is often performed on a mat on the floor, not a massage table.
The word 'shiatsu' (指圧) comes from the Japanese 'shi' (指) meaning 'finger' and 'atsu' (圧) meaning 'pressure'. So, its literal meaning is 'finger pressure'.
Typically, no. Shiatsu is usually performed while the client is fully clothed in loose, comfortable clothing, which differentiates it from many Western massage modalities.
Reported benefits include stress and anxiety reduction, relief from muscle tension and pain (like back pain and headaches), improved circulation, better sleep, and support for overall well-being by promoting balance in the body's systems.
A form of therapeutic bodywork from Japan that uses finger pressure, applied to specific points on the body, to promote healing and relaxation.
Shiatsu is usually technical / healthcare / wellness in register.
Shiatsu: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɪˈæt.suː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃiˈɑːt.suː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHE ATSU' the pressure points. (The pronunciation often starts with 'she').
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A SYSTEM OF ENERGY CHANNELS (where pressure regulates flow).
Practice
Quiz
Shiatsu is most closely related to which other therapy?