Shiatsu is a Japanese word that means 'finger pressure'. The most widely known form of acupressure, shiatsu has been used in Japan for more than 1,000 years. It is a  system based on the body's energy meridians. Utilizing traditional Chinese acupuncture points , this bodywork technique uses thumb, finger and palm pressure  rather than needles.  Shiatsu massages are normally done fully clothed and involve pressing points on the body and stretching and opening of the energy meridians.  Its proponents view it as a  form of  treatment alternative to medicine or surgery. Although the term is sometimes used as synonymous with acupressure, Shiatsu as practiced in the Western world is more like a full body massage therapy treatment, while  acupressure addresses finger pressure on  specific points for a specific effect. There are many variations of Shiatsu which are practiced in the U.S.; Zen Shiatsu, Five Element Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu are a few.  (Toru Namikoshi's Complete Book of Shiatsu Therapy -- published by Japan Pubs., Inc. with ISBN 0-87040-461-x in 1981 -- claims to be the definitive work;