A Japanese pressure-point technique meaning 'finger pressure.'
Shiatsu is a Japanese bodywork technique that applies pressure to specific points along the body's energy meridians using fingers, thumbs, palms, and sometimes elbows and knees. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, shiatsu aims to restore balanced energy flow (qi) throughout the body, addressing both physical tension and energetic imbalances.
Knowing what shiatsu means makes it easier to talk with a masseur before the session starts. Mention it during the intake conversation if it matters to you — a professional male massage therapist will explain how it fits the modality you booked, adjust pressure or positioning around it, and tell you honestly when a different approach suits your body better. You will find the same vocabulary used across our massage service pages, our wellness guides, and the NYC neighborhood pages, so the terms you learn here carry over to booking a real session.