Shiatsu, as well as Teate (medical treatment), pronounced te-ah-te originated in Japan.

There were many hands-on therapies called Teate before traditional Chinese therapies such as and tuina(called Anma in Jap Acupuncture an) were introduced to Japan around 1000AD.

The practice of this massage was a semi-mystical activity performed by women and the blind. The term shiatsu may have been first cited in a 1915 book, Tenpaku Tamai's Shiatsu Ryoho.

Shiatsu technique refers to the use of fingers and palm of one's hand to apply pressure to particular sections on the surface of the body for the purpose of correcting the imbalances of the body, and for maintaining and promoting health.

It is also a method contributing to the healing of specific illnesses