Each week we’ll bring you excerpts from a spa paper entitled ‘A cultural abbreviation of spa methods around the world’ researched and written by Kristi Busch a student at Conrad N. Hilton College at the University of Houston. With thanks to Carl A. Boger Jr, Ph.D, Associate Dean of Academic Programs who directed the project.
Asian Theraputic Methods
Anma
History & Definition
Believed to be over 5,000 years old, the oldest known form of traditional Asian massage is Anma. Anma is a deep tissue massage with no oil, consisting of pressing and rubbing techniques. Anma was originally created by the Chinese around 3-5,000 years ago and brought to Japan by warrior monks through Korea around 1,000 years ago. In China, this method is known as Anmo. Since being brought to Japan, it has been further refined and developed into its own art form. Being that Anma is one of the oldest massage forms, other methods grew and developed from it. Swedish and Shiatsu are among the forms that grew out of this rich tradition. Not until 1964, was Shiatsu considered an independent form and method from Anma.
Anma’s Focus
Anma focuses on the whole and improving muscle condition and circulation of Qi, or Universal Life Energy. This tends to be a difference between Eastern and Western techniques; Western techniques focus more on the body and how they function, where Eastern’s focus is on the continual health and center between body and mind.
Anma Usages/Benefits
Some usages for Anma are sports injuries; core balance; beauty treatment; ailments such as headache, asthma, cold, and insomnia. Anma massage can have effects such as reduced tension, relaxation, increased rejuvenation and increased circulation. These are achieved through the nine different sections of Anma; used all together they create a full body therapy. In Japan, usually a therapist will specialize in only three to four areas on top of their other practices/techniques.
Koho Anma. (n.d.). Retrieved Sep. 3, 2008
Nihon Kaifuku Anma – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, April 24). Retrieved Sep. 19, 2008
Shiatsu
History & Definition
Shiatsu is considered a traditional Japanese technique/massage which uses fingers and palms to apply pressure to a particular area. In 1912, Tokujiro Namikoshi, founded Shiatsu by treating his mother at home. Shiatsu was associated with Anma massage until 1957, when Japan recognized it as a separate treatment; many various styles of Shiatsu have been created and are referred to as Derivative Shiatsu, for example Meridian Shiatsu, Zen Shiatsu, Tao Shiatsu, Quantum Shiatsu, and so on.
Shiatsu’s Focus
In modern medicine, treatment is only decided on and provided after a diagnosis has been made. The significant difference between Shiatsu and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is “Diagnosis and Therapy combined.” Shiatsu does not always require a previous diagnosis like TCM. The purpose of Shiatsu, like many Eastern Techniques, is to prevent illness and promote the natural healing power of the body, along with finding and maintaining the body’s center.
Shiatsu Today
In 2000, the title “Shiatsupractor” was trademarked for a recently proposed international standardized Shiatsu license. Standards vary from different world locations for practicing Shiatsu. For example, in Japan the practioner must possess their license with the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This consists of three years study and 2,200 hours of education. Currently, the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) is seeking a statewide standardization of Asian Bodywork license requirements. Shiatsu therapy is now practiced worldwide, and since 1980, the evolution of Shiatsu techniques has mainly occurred in Europe and North America.
Shiatsu – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (2008, Sep. 5). Retrieved Sep. 16, 2008
