shiatsu

noun

shi·​at·​su shē-ˈät-(ˌ)sü How to pronounce shiatsu (audio)
variants or less commonly shiatzu
often capitalized
: acupressure
especially : a form of acupressure that originated in Japan

Examples of shiatsu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The chair uses shiatsu massage techniques and heating therapy to encourage muscle recovery. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 4 June 2025 These options deliver on their promises to soothe, stimulate, and shiatsu. Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 28 May 2025 For the mom who’s always on her feet, this massager delivers a deep-kneading shiatsu experience at home that melts away stress. Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 15 Apr. 2025 This chair delivers a full-body massage that combines the benefits of zero-gravity recline, shiatsu massage techniques and heating therapy to provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 June 2024 At the end of a long day on your feet, relax with a heated shiatsu foot massager. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2025 The spa has numerous outstanding treatment options including hot stone therapy, sports massage, shiatsu and a CBD balance massage. Sherrie Nachman, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 Along with the basics, there’s a marine wrap, shiatsu massage, table and floor Thai massage and for expectant mothers: Hapai Aquatic Bodywork. R. Daniel Foster, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 For a valentine who doesn’t take enough time for self-care, this powerful heated shiatsu massager can help soothe her sore muscles and ease tension after a long day. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

short for Japanese shiatsu-ryōhō, from shi- finger + -atsu pressure + ryōhō treatment

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shiatsu was in 1967

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shiatsu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shiatsu. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

shiatsu

noun
shi·​at·​su
variants also shiatzu
often capitalized
: acupressure especially of a form that originated in Japan
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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