Asian bodywork therapy is a term that describes the touch therapies that are based on the theories of Chinese medicine. Although sometimes referred to as Asian massage, most Asian bodywork therapies do not use the gliding and kneading muscle techniques of Western massage. The intent of most Asian bodywork is to improve the flow of energy in the body.
Types of Asian Bodywork
Some forms of Asian bodywork have been around for hundreds or thousands of years, while other forms are developments of the 20th century. The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA) recognizes the following types of Asian bodywork:
- Acupressure uses pressure to specific acupoints to release tension and increase circulation. Different styles of acupressure are available, each with its own distinct characteristics.
- Amma combines deep-tissue bodywork and the use of pressure to specific acupoints. The AOBTA states that amma is the oldest Chinese word to describe bodywork, dating back about 5000 years to the legendary Yellow Emperor of China.
- AMMA Therapy®, developed by Tina Sohn, combines bodywork with diet, herbs, nutritional supplements, and external herbal applications to treat a range of medical conditions.
- Chi Nei Tsang literally means "working the energy of the internal organs." Chi Nei Tsang practitioners have Chi Kung training and mostly massage the abdomen using deep, soft, and gentle touch with the intent of helping the internal organs work more efficiently.
- Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® was developed by psychotherapist Iona Marsaa Teeguarden. This technique uses gentle, deep pressure to acupoints together with simple body-focusing techniques, such as breathing, to release physical and emotional tension.
- Medical Qigong uses breath training, exercises, meditation, guided visualization, and a wide variety of therapeutic methods.
- Shiatsu uses pressure along meridian lines. The various styles of shiatsu may incorporate other techniques, such as herbs and dietary changes. The many styles of shiatsu include Five Element Shiatsu, Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu, Japanese Shiatsu, Macrobiotic Shiatsu, Shiatsu-Anma, and Zen Shiatsu.
- Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad Bo Rarn) combines stretches, yoga-like poses, pressure along the body’s energy lines, and breathing to open up the flow of energy and release chronic tension.
- Tuina is an Asian bodywork therapy that uses smooth gliding or rolling movements of the hands and arms to knead, press, roll, shake, and stretch the body to improve energy flow in the meridians. One specific type of tuina is Jin Shou Tuina™, taught by the North American Tang Shou Tao Association (NATSTA).
Asian Bodywork Certification
In the U.S., the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) offers certification in Asian bodywork therapies and listings of certified Asian bodywork practitioners.
Carol Wiley - Carol Wiley is a technical writer turned licensed massage therapist turned freelance writer. Visit her freelance writing site or Massage ...
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