Although Shiatsu is Japanese, it owes it's roots to traditional Chinese medicine and massage. These healing arts were established in China for hundreds of years before being introduced to Japan in the 6th century. Thenceforth the slow evolution into what we know as Shiatsu began.

In ancient times massage was the realm of the blind, who were considered to have a heightened sense of touch due to their inability to see. Acupuncture was the method of the educated doctors, and the two practises were quite separate.

By the mid 20th century Shiatsu was a fully developed synthesis of the two arts, and became officially recognised by the Japanese government. In Japan it is now an everyday aspect of medical treatment.

In Europe and America the reputation of Shiatsu as an excellent complementary therapy is steadily growing since it's introduction over the last 30 years.