Shiatsu - a Japanese bodywork therapy - is a natural healing discipline from the same ancient oriental principles as acupuncture. This text has been designed as an in-depth introduction to the basic principles and methods of this practical healing art. Shiatsu works by stimulating the body's vital energy flow in order to promote good health. The practitioner uses palms, thumbs and fingers, elbows and even knees and feet to apply pressure and stretching to the energy lines or meridians. This text provides a description of how and why shiatsu works and the ways in which it is applied.