World of Shiatsu

A Brief History of Shiatsu

Tao Yin (finger pressure massage) seems to be the most direct ancestor of Shiatsu. It appeared in China in around 530bc and later spread to Japan, where it was known as DO-IN. Over the centuries this method expanded to encompass other forms of treatment based on the properties of Qi. Together, these practices where know as “AnMa” (giving care with hands), and 300 years ago their study was compulsory for all Japanese doctors and healers.

Over time, the term Anma became too general in its meaning and the Japanese authorities decided that this word should refer solely to those practices designed to bring about “relaxation and well-being”. A few groups of practitioners preserved the methods originating from “Tao-Yinn”. Their deep understanding of Chinese medicine enabled them to develop a method which would combine both Chinese medicine and the use of pressure.

As the centuries passed, the method, known as Shiatsu (Atsu – pressure, Shi – fingers) was handed down from generation to generation by a small group of practitioners. In 1950 the Japanese government recognised Shiatsu as a legitimate therapeutic practice. In the 1970s it began to appear in Europe and the USA, notably as a result of the Shiatsu teachings of Masunaga Sensei.