Traditional Japanese Bodywork

Anma means to press (An) and rub (Ma). It also means to spread peace by rubbing or to calm with the hands. Anma is one of the oldest forms of massage in the world and it is the oldest form of bodywork in the Orient. This therapy comes from ancient China and is over 5000 years old. Some speculate that Anma's true origins lie in India and is well over 10,000 years old. Anma was first brought to Japan by warrior monks from China through Korea about 1,500 years ago. In China this therapy is pronounced Anmo. When Anmo was brought to Japan the technique was further refined and developed into its own therapeutic art form. Over the years Anma has influenced the birth of many other forms of massage. Such as Shiatsu, Tuina and Swedish Massage.
 
Anma therapy is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This ancient healing art uses special techniques to stimulate key points (Tsubo) on the surface of the skin to promote the body's natural self healing abilities. When these points are stimulated they release muscular tension which facilitates the circulation of blood and energy (Kiketsu).

Shiatsu Anma

Shiatsu Anma has uniquely combined two of the most popular forms of Asian Bodywork Therapy in Japan: Anma (a 1300 year old healing massage meaning “to soothe with the hands”) and Shiatsu (“finger pressure”). The techniques of Shiatsu Anma as developed by Dr. DoAnn Kaneko influence the flow of Qi in the body and include kneading, stretching, soothing, tapping, and pressing as well as Ampuku (abdominal massage). The shiatsu therapist uses principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to evaluate the client and assess the balance of Qi. Each shiatsu session is specifically designed according to client indications.

Namikoshi Shiatsu

Applied with the thumbs, fingers and palms, Namikoshi Shiatsu is the official shiatsu of Japan and is entirely based in modern anatomy and physiology. Through the application of pressure to specific points along the body, Namikoshi Shiatsu directly affects the nervous system, which in turn affects the internal physiological systems of the body. Founder Tokujiro Namikoshi discovered a mechanism through which touch applied to the surface of the body reflexes to the internal organs, thereby releasing blockages and evoking the body’s own healing power.

The Intention Of Anma Massage

Unlike Western Massage, Anma utilizes no oils, can be done through the clothing with the client either sitting or lying down. Also this therapy can be applied anywhere and at anytime. One can also learn to give Anma to oneself or others. This makes Anma an extremely flexible style of massage, suitable to a wide variety of client needs and environments.

The Effects of Anma Therapy

Anma massage is a way to balance the body and calm irritated nerves. It normalizes sluggish bodily functions and is used to keep the body healthy and strong. Anma reduces tension, increases circulation and revives and rejuvenates the body while enabling the body to also deeply relax. When tensions are released in the body the immune system functions smoothly. This allows the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness. Tension in the body is caused by a build up of lactic acid and is a result of fatigue, trauma, stress, chemical imbalances and above all poor circulation. During Anma massage, muscles relax which allows blood and energy (Kiketsu) to flow freely, then toxins are released and eliminated. Unlike Western Medicine, Anma therapy does not ignore simple symptoms of everyday complaints. These symptoms of headache, dizziness, back pains, etc. are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. Anma responds before these symptoms or imbalances can do further damage to the body which leads to "dis-ease".

The Various Uses of Anma Massage

Anma massage compliments your medical care by allowing you to take a vital part in getting and staying well. In addition to maintaining health, Anma can also be used to relieve and prevent sports injuries, compliment chiropractic treatments, and restore and balance the emotions. Psychotherapy patients benefit greatly from this. Since ancient times, Anma has been used as a beauty treatment and has many cosmetic benefits. Such as, beautifying the skin, face, and the eyes. Anma massage therapy is also applied for a wide range of ailments such as, headache, colds, asthma, numbness, high or low blood pressure, constipation, stomach cramps, menstrual irregularity, sexual vitality, and insomnia.
 
One of the most important uses of Anma is its use in effecting the quality of our breathing. When our breath is shallow, all the body's functions become sluggish. Anma promotes deep long breaths which aids the release of blockages in our energy pathways (Keiraku). This process increases our resistance to illness. Anma is not only used to restore health but is also instrumental in assisting you in discovering your own healing potential. This can at times be an overwhelming blessing.

The Nine Major Sections of Anma

There are nine major categories of techniques within the art of Anma. Each section allows you to work the body in a uniquely different way. These nine sections create various effects that assist in the achievement of the goals of Anma Therapy. During an Anma massage all nine areas are utilized which creates a very complete full body therapy. In Japan some therapist specialize in applying only three or four sections of techniques in combination for their practice. Another use of Anma techniques is the cultivation of the therapist's own health. As a whole human beings have grown very weak in health, endurance, and we use less of our brain's capacity. Anma techniques are not only designed to help assist the client increase their health but when applied correctly these nine sections of techniques cultivate the therapists health and deepen our consciousness and expand our awareness as well. So Anma massage is also a kind of spiritual practice and meditation which allows one to become a better human being. The art of Anma is only one science within many teachings from the tradition of Do-In Ankyo. This was developed by Chinese Taoist Mountain Ascetics, known as Sennin or Jiyujin (Free Men) in Japan.

The Nine Major Sections Of Anma Are As Follows:

Keisatsu Ho Light stroking techniques 軽 擦 法
Junen Ho Kneading techniques 柔 念 法
Shinsen Ho Vibration techniques 振 せ 法
Appaku Ho Pressure techniques 圧 迫 法
Koda Ho Percussion techniques 卯 打 法
Kyokute Ho Special percussion techniques 曲 手 法
Undo Ho Movement therapy & exercises 運 動 法
Kyosatsu Ho Rotation & stroking with heavy pressure 強 擦 法
Haaku Ho Gripping & squeezing techniques 把 握 法

How To Choose A Shiatsu Practitioner

Look for a therapist who is certified by the American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association (located in Voorhees, New Jersey). Because shiatsu involves touch, be sure to find someone you feel comfortable with. A word-of-mouth recommendation from a friend or coworker may be the best place to start. Having a short phone conversation with the therapist before you go for a visit can help you find out whether you could work together comfortably.

Precautions For Receiving Anma Massage

Anma will not be applied in the following situations:

• A fever
• A contagious illness such as a cold or flu
• Shortly after the client has had surgery and without having consulted his/ her physician first.
• Open wounds, skin infections, rash, or an infectious skin condition such as impetigo.
• Cancer or Leukemia, recent chemotherapy or radiation therapy. (May spread the disease)
• Within 24 to 48 hours of injury, trauma, fracture or sprain. It is best to receive Anma without being under the influence of pain medications.
• Avoid massage specifically in the abdominal area if you are pregnant, have an abdominal hernia or have eaten in the past two hours.

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