The word “Shiatsu” comes from the Japanese words “shi,” which means finger, and “atsu,” which means pressure. Shiatsu massage, also known as Zen Shiatsu, is a conventional applied physiotherapy derived from Japanese massage traditions. It deals with the pious, theoretical, and medical characteristics of the body.he word “Shiatsu” comes from the Japanese words “shi,” which means finger, and “atsu,” which means pressure. Shiatsu massage, also known as Zen Shiatsu, is a conventional applied physiotherapy derived from Japanese massage traditions. It deals with the pious, theoretical, and medical characteristics of the body.