Shiatsu (Japanese from shi, meaning finger, and atsu, meaning pressure) - is a massage technique originating in Japan.
Developed by Tokujiro Namikoshi it was refined and practiced throughout his life. In 1953 he introduced it to the West at the Palmer Chiropractic School. By 1964 The Japanese Ministry of Health reviewed the regulations and acknowledged Shiatsu, Massage Therapy and Anma as unique and independent therapeutic methods.
A common misconception is that Shiatsu was based on Oriental or Chinese medicine , it was not. It is based on modern anatomy and physiology and is not related to Acupuncture, Moxibustion or Anma therapy.
Some popular derivitives of Shiatsu have however drawn on the concepts of oriental medicine and Zen Buddism.
They include: Tsubo Shiatsu; Meridian Shiatsu; Zen (Ioh kai) Shiatsu; Tao Shiatsu; Oha Shiatsu; Macrobiotic Shiatsu.
More Details
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shiatsu&oldid=39247199
http://www.namikoshi-shiatsu.com.au/about.html
