There are many types of Asian bodywork. The majority of massage therapists practice Shiatsu therapy. Other forms of Asian bodywork, such as amma massage and tui na massage, are commonly utilized for health and wellness.
Amma, (Japanese word meaning “push-pull”) is based on the Chinese tradition of massage (anmo). From the viewpoint of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), amma massage assesses flow and harmony of the five essential substances: Qi (energy), jing (essence), shen (spirit), xue (blood), and jin-ye (body fluids).
Amma massage holistically addresses the whole person through kata (choreographed movement) and pressure techniques. Amma techniques encompass pressing, stroking, stretching, and percussive manipulations with thumbs, fingers, arms, elbows, knees, and feet on acupressure points along the body’s 14 meridians, or energy channels. The aim is to restore and promote health through correction of the imbalances of an individual’s qi or meridian system.
Amma increases circulation, improves flexibility of joints and soft tissue, circulates and drains lymphatic fluid, and strengthens the immune system through preventative treatment.
Tui na (“push and grasp”) is often used in conjunction with acupuncture and Chinese herbalism. Therapeutic massage therapy is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Tui na incorporates acupressure to bring the body into balance, removes obstructions in energy pathways and promotes an increase in the body’s vital energy.
Tui na both treats and prevents disease through eight basic methods: Palpating (mo), rejoining (jie), opposing (duan), lifting (ti), pressing (an), kneading (mo), pushing (tui), and holding (na). Similar to principles of acupuncture, tui na focuses on specific acupressure points, energy trigger points and muscles/joints surrounding the affected area.
Tui na techniques can improve blood circulation, enhance joint mobility, heal soft tissue injuries, and is effective in nerve regulation.
Shiatsu is sometimes referred to as Japanese physiotherapy. Shiatsu combines assisted-stretching techniques and acupressure to restore qi energy balance in the body.
Somewhat similar to acupuncture in its focus on the meridians and acupoints, Shiatsu therapy treats certain points on the body but without the use of needles. Regular treatments can increase range of motion and improve coordination and mobility.
AMC’s Massage Therapy program offers a specialization in Japanese Shiatsu which enables students to develop experience working with a range of techniques within Asian systems of medicine. Students complete courses in Shiatsu, Swedish, medical massage, and the biosciences.
For information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500.
Great post, didn’t know about all of the asian influence in massage.