Shiatsu is a practice from a long and well respected Japanese tradition. The word derives from the Japanese word SHI - meaning Finger, and ATSO - meaning Pressure ( SHIATSU literally means finger pressure). Shiatsu is a highly sophisticated form of Japanese massage that uses numerous techniques. The normal form of massage is used just to stimulate the patient's muscles. In Shiatsu one aims to stimulate particular points of energy channels in order to effect the body's natural healing energy. The vital energy CHI flows through the body and harmonises the integral parts of the body as a whole. When the body is in good health the CHI is flowing beautifully. Any disturbance of that flow produces disharmony resulting in illness.