shiatsu

noun

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

Examples of shiatsu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Spa The 4,250-square-foot Vida Spa has 15 treatment rooms and a menu that blends modern therapies, like deep tissue and hot stone massages, with traditional approaches such as Ayurveda and shiatsu. — Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 6 Aug. 2026 Water plasma therapy and water shiatsu take place in a highly concentrated saltwater pool. — Jamie Timson, TheWeek, 24 July 2026 Holistic treatments include full-body massages, myofascial release, reflexology, cranial sacral therapy, and Shiatsu. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026 The Necka personal massager features eight deep-kneading nodes designed to simulate shiatsu finger pressure, along with multiple speed levels, heat settings and an auto shut-off timer. — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shiatsu

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

Shia
shiatsu
shibah
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shiatsu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shiatsu. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

shiatsu

noun
shi·​at·​su
variants also shiatzu
shē-ˈät-sü How to pronounce shiatsu (audio)
often capitalized
: acupressure especially of a form that originated in Japan
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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