Shiatsu in Japanese literally translates to "finger pressure" and it is an ancient form of healing in Eastern history that dates back approximately 4,500 years. Traditional, Five Element Shiatsu is practiced on a mat on the floor and the client is fully clothed (in loose clothing). A session will involve stretching to open up blocked meridians and free Qi, range of motion to optimize the flow of Qi, and palm and thumb work along various meridians.

Five element Shiatsu is the treatment of the human body, mind, and spirit, including the electromagnetic or energetic field which surrounds, infuses, and brings the body to life, by pressure and/or manipulation. It is a focused, fluid, dynamic form that uses the relationship and character of the Five Elements as the structure by which energy can be assessed and treatment devised. It uses the premise that the body and person are one whole. Nothing can be isolated, removed, or treated without affecting the balance of the whole. The Five Element Shiatsu practioner looks for a pattern within the deficiencies and excess conditions of the meridians and relates symptoms to the 12 meridian-organ systems.