Asian Bodywork Therapy

Acupressure balances the body's energy by applying pressure to specific acupoints (the same ones used in acupuncture) to balance energy, release tension, and increase circulation.

Amma (also spelled anma) is traditional Japanese massage, which developed based on Chinese anmo (massage) introduced to Japan in the sixth century by Buddhist priest Gan Jin Osho. A central influence in the development of amma in the 17th century was Waichi Sugiyama, who was blind. He set up amma schools for blind people, and blind amma practitioners were common even into the 20th century. It combines deep-tissue bodywork to muscles and ligaments with the application of pressure to specific acupoints.

Chi Nei Tsang is of Taoist Chinese origin and literally means "working the energy of the internal organs." Chi Nei Tsang practitioners are trained in Chi Kung and massage mainly the abdomen with deep, soft, and gentle touches to train internal organs to work more efficiently.

Jin Shin Jyutsu is a gentle technique that involves applying the hands or fingers to two or more points on the body at the same time according to established procedures that address particular circulation pathways. This system uses the concept of 52 safety energy locks (SELs) along 12 energy pathways.

Marma Therapy comes out of the ayurvedic tradition of India. Marmas are sensitive zones somewhat similar to the acupoints of Traditional Chinese Medicine but covering larger areas. In addition to marma massage, marma therapy includes aromas, herbs, pranic healing, and yoga practices to balance the ayurvedic doshas (vatta, pitta, kapha).

Medical Qigong uses breath training, exercises, meditation, and guided visualization.

Shiatsu is the best-known type of acupressure and comes in many styles. More shiatsu information.

Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad Bo Rarn) uses a combination of stretches, yoga-like poses, pressure along the body’s energy lines, and breathing to open up energy passages and release chronic tension. Traditionally, Thai Massage is done on a mat on the floor with you fully clothed.

Tuina is an Asian bodywork therapy that uses smooth gliding and rolling movements of the hands and arms to open stagnant meridian channels.

American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia is a professional membership organization representing instructors, practitioners, schools and programs, and students of Asian Bodywork Therapy.

In the U.S., national certification in Asian Bodywork Therapy is offered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

More information: Asian Bodywork Therapy, Part 1: Amma, Shiatsu & Jin Shin Jyutsu and Part II: Marma Therapy, Thai Massage, and Insight Bodywork



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