Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to feel relaxed and relieve stress, pain, and tension. It’s a Japanese type of massage that:

promotes emotional and physical calm and relaxation

helps relieve pain

may relieve headache

reduces muscle tension

improves sleep and fatigue

may improve mood

A 2019 study found that shiatsu therapy combined with standard care for lower back pain improved symptoms and quality of life immediately after treatment.

A 2018 study found that self-shiatsu significantly improved sleep quality and daytime fatigue in a group of young athletes with sports-related concussions.

Shiatsu massage works the whole body, but your therapist may focus on areas that need extra attention.

During the massage, your therapist will use their hands, palms, and thumbs to massage certain points of your body. Pulsing or rhythmic pressure is used. You can be fully clothed during this massage.

Shiatsu massages typically last 60 to 90 minutes.