The Japanese Shiatsu massage is a way of relaxation, but in its main theory shiatsu is a holistic bodywork. Shiatsu massage uses acupressure techniques using hand, thumbs, elbows and knees. The acupressure technique has its roots from the acupuncture therapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The difference between the acupuncture and acupressure is that in the first case the practitioner uses very thin needles but in the case of acupressure the therapist uses the deep tissue pressure on the twelve body meridians. Because of its many benefits shiatsu massage is considered to be a healing therapy. Shiatsu massage therapy is not healing the disease itself.  Shiatsu has a direct affect on the meridians. Shiatsu techniques help to unblock the meridian points where the chi is blocked and causes health problems. The oriental medicine philosophy says that the main cause of diseases is in the unbalanced chi in the body. Shiatsu massage is used to reach the harmony of chi in the human body.