Though Shiatsu is referred to as massage in some places it should not be confused with Swedish or Western massage. Zen Shiatsu and Swedish massage are very different. Swedish massage uses oils on the body in combination with rubbing, kneading, or stroking areas of the body to manipulate the soft tissues. Zen Shiatsu is done fully clothed and combines stretches, joint rotations and firm pressure to stimulate the circulatory, lymphatic, hormonal, neuromuscular, musculo-skeletal, respiratory, digestive, and autonomic nervous systems. Zen Shiatsu is a form of Asian bodywork designed to diagnose imbalances in the body and treat each person as an individual and as a whole.