Asian massage refers to a wide variety of massage traditions from China, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. What they all have in common is their roots in traditional healing modalities of ancient people, derived originally from traditional Chinese medicine.
Features
Asian massage developed along with other healing modalities such as herbalism, bone-setting and midwifery. Some styles are more diagnostic than others. Some individualize a treatment based upon assessment according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, while others offer a standardized massage to all clients. Asian massage may also include herbal medicines, therapeutic exercise, advice on diet and breathing techniques. For all of them, the client remains clothed, and oils are seldom used except for herbal oils applied to acupressure points.
History
The oldest documented style of massage is the Chinese amma, which is at least 2,000 years old. From it developed an mo and tui na, two massage forms still used in China today. Chinese massage is based on the theories of traditional Chinese medicine, which focus on the circulation of vital energy throughout the body. Illness is thought to be the result of blocked energy, and the purpose of massage, herbs, diet and exercise is to restore the free circulation of energy, also called chi, qi or ki.
Over the centuries, the Chinese migrated throughout the whole of Asia, taking their traditions with them, including massage. The Chinese introduced massage and acupuncture to Japan and Korea as well as Southeast Asia.
Shiatsu
The Japanese word "shiatsu" means finger pressure massage. It is based on traditional Chinese medical theories and is similar to Chinese massage. In the 20th century, shiatsu practitioners in Japan began to integrate Western anatomy and physiology and Buddhist philosophy along with Shiatsu acu-point therapy, ampuku, or abdominal massage, and do-in, or self-massage and breathing exercises. Namikoshi style focuses on neuromuscular massage and trigger point therapy. Serizawa focuses on tsubo, the acupressure points. Japanese shiatsu practitioner Shizuto Masunaga developed Zen shiatsu, emphasizing the movement of energy through meridians rather than focusing on the acupressure points.
Other Styles
Thai massage is perhaps the most vigorous form of Asian massage. It resembles two-person yoga, as the therapist uses her thumbs, fingers, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to stretch the massage client and massage energy points.
Hilot is a Philippine style of massage, combining chiropractic movements, bone-setting, herbalism and massage. Diagnosis is done with a banana leaf, to locate blockages in the circulation of energy, and the massage is often given with coconut oil.
AOBTA
The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia officially recognizes several styles of Asian massage including amma, chi nei tsang, an abdominal massage, various styles of shiatsu, nuad bo 'rarn, or Thai massage, tuina and medical qigong. Of course these are not the only forms of Asian massage practiced in the U.S., and certainly many more kinds are practiced in Asia.
References
- Massage Therapy: Asian Bodywork Therapy, Part 1
- "Shiatsu Therapy: Theory and Practice"; Namikoshi, T; 1974
- "Tsubo: Vital Points for Oriental Therapy"; Katsusuke Serizawa; 1998
- "Zen Shiatsu: How to Harmonize Yin and Yang for Better Health"; Masunaga S, Ohashi W; 1997
- The healing hands of Hilot : Filipino therapeutic massage"; Cornelio H Evangelista; Virgil J Mayor Apostol; 1998
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