Acupressure (also known as Shiatsu, Shiatzu): A type of massage in which finger pressure on specific body sites is used to promote healing, relieve fatigue, etc. Although the anatomical locations are the same as the ACUPUNCTURE POINTS used in ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY (hence acu-), no needle or other acupuncture technique is

NIH MeSH · D019050Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment

Acupressure

Also known asShiatsu · Shiatzu · Zhi Ya · Chih Ya

Definition

A type of massage in which finger pressure on specific body sites is used to promote healing, relieve fatigue, etc. Although the anatomical locations are the same as the ACUPUNCTURE POINTS used in ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY (hence acu-), no needle or other acupuncture technique is employed in acupressure. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed). Shiatsu is a modern outgrowth that focuses more on prevention than healing.

MeSH classification

  • E02.190.599.750.500
  • E02.779.867.880.500
  • E02.831.535.867.880.500

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Common questions about Acupressure

What does Acupressure mean in medicine?
A type of massage in which finger pressure on specific body sites is used to promote healing, relieve fatigue, etc. Although the anatomical locations are the same as the ACUPUNCTURE POINTS used in ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY (hence acu-), no needle or other acupuncture technique is employed in acupressure. (From Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2d ed). Shiatsu is a modern outgrowth that focuses more on prevention than healing. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Acupressure known by any other names?
Yes. Acupressure is also referred to as Shiatsu, Shiatzu, Zhi Ya, Chih Ya in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Acupressure sit in the medical classification?
Acupressure falls under the broader medical category "Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: E02.190.599.750.500, E02.779.867.880.500, E02.831.535.867.880.500). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Acupressure?
For a plain-language explanation of Acupressure - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Acupressure" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D019050) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗