Massage is an ancient healing art that has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. Today, cultures across the Orient—including Chinese, Thai and Japanese cultures—all incorporate traditional massage techniques into their mainstream medicinal practices. Although readily available in the United States, they are still not considered to be a part of conventional medicine. Research exploring the efficacy of traditional Oriental massage techniques has been promising but not conclusive.
Benefits
People in the West often treat themselves to a massage as a form of indulgence. In the East however, massage serves more as a medical treatment. Proponents of different traditional Oriental massage disciplines teach that these procedures can help relieve your pain, improve your posture, remove scar tissue, ease stress, improve your circulation, increase your flexibility and boost your immune system. However, current research does not validate the effectiveness of any traditional Oriental massage technique as a health treatment.
Chinese Massage
The principles that govern Chinese massage treatments are based upon several traditional beliefs. Chinese massage treatments seek to balance the “qi” or “life energy” that flows through your body on invisible roadways called meridians. Chinese massage techniques revolve around the concept of treating your body as a whole rather than focusing on individual organs or limbs. Tui na is a popular Chinese massage technique that involves massaging individual muscle groups. However, current research does not validate the effectiveness of Chinese massage as a health treatment.
Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage centers around the belief that your body contains a multitude of energy lines called sen. Thai massage practitioners believe that applying pressure to your sen through massage can help promote emotional and physical healing. Unlike most massage techniques, a Thai massage is typically performed on a mat on the floor rather than on a massage table or chair. However, current research does not validate the effectiveness of Thai massage as a health treatment.
Japanese Massage
Traditional Japanese massage techniques are based on the notion that a center of energy known as the “hara” exists within your body. Shiatsu is one of the most popular Japanese massage techniques. Shiatsu practitioners use a variety of pressure levels to stimulate your “hara” and help promote relaxation. During a shiatsu massage, practitioners may also incorporate stretching motions to help loosen your joints and muscles.
Practitioners
Practitioners of traditional Oriental massage techniques must undergo extensive training in order to practice their craft. Students typically study human anatomy, massage techniques, medicinal herbs and diagnostic procedures. Some practitioners pursue their training at formal schools of medicine, while others become apprenticed to more experienced trainers or family members. However, current research does not validate the effectiveness of any Oriental massage technique as a health treatment.
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