Currently, four systems in which the fingers manipulate the oriental meridian system are in widespread use in the United States. Amounts of pressure and length of application vary according to the system, the ailment, and the intent. Shiatsu and tsubo rely largely on sequenced applications of pressure applied from one end of each meridian to the other. Sessions typically treat the meridians of the entire body in an attempt to bring relaxation, harmony, and balance to the patient. Shiatsu, which is traditional in Japan, has been used in the United States quite extensively for about 20 years.
Therapy sessions have a strong focus on long-term health improvement.
Procedures include specific treatments for a variety of functional disorders as well as postural, stress-related, and emotional problems. Jin shin jyutsu and jin shin do have developed sequences of meridian point pressure applications that are specific to the ailment being addressed. These systems are used more often than shiatsu and tsubo as alternative treatment approaches. It is the antecedent of jin shin do, which was developed in the United States by Iona Teeguarden in the 1980s. Sessions are primarily for treatment of specific problems.