What happens during shiatsu?

The shiatsu practitioner applies gentle to deep pressure to specific points on the meridians, called tsubos. Practitioners may apply pressure to the tsubos using their palms, fingers, elbows, knees and feet, but work mostly with their thumbs held side by side or, for more concentrated pressure, on top of one another. Generally, the pressure is held for several seconds and is repeated several times before the practitioner moves to another tsubo. The pressure may help to stimulate the body’s endorphins to produce a tranquilizing effect, or it may help by loosening up muscles and improving blood circulation.