Shiatsu is possibly one of the oldest forms of massage known.

It differs from Swedish massage in the manner that it focuses more on the pressure of the fingertips to work the muscles and release energy from specific points on the body.

It is similar in a way to reflexology, but rather than just working on the feet, shiatsu works on more areas of the body and targets the same points on the body that you would expect to get treated with acupuncture.

These pressure points release energy, improve circulation, and in doing so, get rid of toxins that are stored in the muscles and the skin and help to revive the body.

Shiatsu can relieve many different problems within the body, from stress and nausea to other symptoms that are caused by any form of blockages or circulation problems.

The traditional approach for shiatsu is for the patient to lie on a mat on the floor, and for the massage therapist to use fingers, elbows, hands and feet to apply pressure to the specific acupressure points.

By applying constant pressure to these points for slightly longer than you would receive with a normal massage, the body begins to release its own endorphins.

These endorphins are the body's natural painkillers and while you might feel some pain when receiving the treatment, the release of the endorphins should make you feel energized soon after and for several days after the treatment.

Unlike other forms of massage shiatsu generally does not require the use of oil and you can get a treatment while remaining fully clothed.

It does not rely on rubbing the muscles, as the benefit comes from extended time that pressure is applied to one area at a time.

This makes for a particularly convenient natural treatment that can take very little time and offer big rewards.