An Asian massage can involve many different styles because the continent of Asia includes several different regions, each with its own individual style of massage. According to the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia, a trade organization located in Voorhees, New Jersey, Asian massage is designed to affect the body, mind and spirit and often incorporates the manipulation of the body's energy systems as well as the physical ones. Despite many differences, a large number of the various styles of Asian massage originated with the ancient Ayurvedic traditions of India.
History
Approximately 3,000 years ago, the Ayurvedic medical system and its related massage techniques began in India. Its focus on a holistic view of health and balance between physical, energetic and spiritual aspects spread to other parts of Asia, including Indonesia and Thailand. In China, the ancient massage disciplines of Anmo and Tui Na were also developed. As this specialized knowledge spread to Japan and other areas, so did the associated massage practices. Once established in the various regions, distinct specialties began to form; these are now the basis for each of the different styles of Asian massage.
Types
There are several different types of Asian massage, explains Barry Kapke, licensed massage therapist and Asian bodywork instructor, including Amma, Tui Na, Shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Varma Chikitsa and Nuad Bo'Rarn. Some Asian massage practitioners work primarily with the body's energy and move their hands a few inches above the skin's surface, not even touching the body directly. Others deal with the physical aspects of the body and may utilize very deep pressure. Several styles also incorporate a great deal of stretching. Therapeutic scents and oils may be used, as may hot stones or other local herbs.
Considerations
Asian massage, like most other styles of massage, continues to grow and evolve. There are few practitioners today who utilize only one of the ancient forms. Most have sought training in several different styles and select from a wide variety of traditions and techniques when working with patients. The primary consideration which differentiates Asian styles of massage from those of the West is that Asian massage styles place a strong emphasis on integrating energetic and spiritual elements with the physical touching of the body.
East Meets West
In several cases, modern Asian massage practitioners have also incorporated techniques from Western massage styles, which focus primarily on the physical structures of the body and place emphasis on the repair of damaged tissues. This is seen in the practice of reflexology, which mixes features of Chinese, Japanese and Western massage to create a more modern system of massage. Another example is the discipline known as Insight Bodywork, which is an eclectic mix of ancient traditions from several nations, including Western massage.
Asian Massage Today
Due to the increasing ease of travel and facilitated communications, ancient Asian massage styles are becoming increasingly well-known and popular. Practitioners from all areas are able to travel to Asia to learn the specialized techniques from local masters. In addition, expert instructors are able to travel to other lands to teach the massage styles of their homelands. The resulting effect is that patients are now able to receive authentic Asian massage in numerous locations around the world.
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