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 Four shiatsu massage nodes dig deep into muscles, helping work out those painful knots and kinks. Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2024 Martinez, a 60-year-old shiatsu practitioner for Empathy Architects in Sante Fe, N.M., recalls the joy of connecting with his daughter — and his surprise, too. Wendy Grossman Kantor, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2024 Watsu combines water and shiatsu massage techniques (the name is a portmanteau of those two words); warm water is an element with which therapists can further enhance their bodywork. Flora Tsapovsky, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2024 With 25 treatment rooms, including two couples suites with private steam showers overlooking the ocean, the hotel caters to a variety of travelers who can book face and body treatments from a comprehensive menu that comprises reiki experiences, reflexology, facials, and shiatsu massages. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2024 This portable massaging cushion features a shiatsu technique, as well as heat and vibration to target and relieve various muscles and locations. Paula Lee, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2024 This shiatsu massager has three types of motion: kneading, rolling, and pulsing. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2024 There’s also a vibration setting for easy relaxation and a shiatsu option for those who like more of a kneading massage. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 12 Dec. 2023 Boasting over 16,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, this relaxing shiatsu massager is currently on sale for 37% off. Lauren Levy, Parents, 6 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shiatsu.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near shiatsu

Cite this Entry

“Shiatsu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shiatsu. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

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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