Popular oriental massage modalities include Tui-na (Chinese), Shiatsu (Japanese) and Thai massage. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, these Eastern massage methods seek to control the flow of energy throughout the body. Sickness or muscle pain is caused by the impeded flow of this energy, and oriental massage techniques stimulate the body to restore proper energetic flow.
Know the Energy Pathways
In Eastern massage, the therapist manipulates specific energetic pathways that channel the body's flow of energy. Instead of targeting individual muscles, the massage focuses on moving energy along these pathways with stretching and rubbing. To perform Eastern massage, you should have a basic understanding of the pathways so you can properly direct the energetic flow.
Manipulate Key Pressure Points
Energy collects along the pathways at specific gathering points. If the energy is impeded at these points, it must be dispersed with targeted work. To manipulate the energetic pressure points, dig your thumb in and move it in a small, circular movement. The technique is similar to dispersing a point of tension in standard Western massage. Many of the pressure points manipulated in Oriental massage techniques correspond with those stimulated by needles during acupuncture sessions.
Control Your Own Energy
Oriental massage therapists use different parts of their body to manipulate the energy flow in the client. It is important that therapists approach sessions with a balanced energy, as an energetic exchange takes place during these sessions. If therapists are agitated during the sessions, this can transfer over to the clients and negate the positive effects of the bodywork.
Wear Flowing Clothes
During these sessions, clients typically lies on the floor while therapists kneel at their side and move around the body during the sessions. Therapists are physically active during the sessions, and will need to have clothes that are comfortable and flowing enough to enable this movement.
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