Eastern massage therapy, also known as Asian massage or oriental massage, is based on several ancient forms of health care and incorporates attention to the body, mind and spirit, according to the American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia, a trade organization based in Voorhees, New Jersey. Although many of the Eastern styles of massage are based on traditions that are thousands of years old, they are still taught and practiced in many locations today
History
Most of the Eastern massage therapy traditions are based on or borrow some techniques from the Ayurvedic traditional health system of India, which has existed for nearly 3,000 years. Nearly as ancient are the massage traditions that developed in China. As cultures and knowledge spread throughout Asia, these styles of massage became known in many lands. Massage practitioners began to blend local specialties with the ancient traditions and unique local variations developed in each region.
Types
Barry Kapke, massage therapist and author with the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals organization, explains that several of the ancient styles of massage are well known, including Amma, Shiatsu, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Nuad Bo'Rarn and Varma Chikitsa. These styles originated in India, China, Japan, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia. While most Western massage is based on rubbing or compressing the body tissues, Eastern massage styles often include additional techniques to diagnose the condition and flow of the body's energy and the spiritual well being of the patient.
Features
The focus on body energy is the primary component which sets Eastern massage therapy apart from its Western counterpart. Some of the Eastern styles of massage involve very little actual touching of the patient's body. Instead the therapist holds his hands slightly above the surface of the skin and works with the energy instead of the muscle and nervous tissue. Eastern massage styles often include the use of locally available herbal preparations or other substances as part of the massage, including ghee, or clarified butter, and seaweed extracts.
Availability
Prior to modern times, a person desiring to experience Eastern massage therapy would have had to travel to remote areas of Asia to locate skilled practitioners. Today however, with the advent of modern travel and communications opportunities, massage therapists from around the world are able to travel to these isolated areas more easily and to become trained to practice these ancient styles. In addition, highly skilled, master instructors are able to travel to other parts of the world and to teach students from many areas how to perform Eastern massage therapy for their patients.
Contraindications
It is important for anyone with medical problems to check with a physician before receiving massage therapy of any style. It is generally contraindicated for anyone to receive massage treatment who is suffering from health conditions that would be worsened by increased circulation and lymph flow, direct pressure or rubbing and friction . Asian massage therapy may be a good choice in these cases, since certain styles involve very little physical contact directly with the patient's body.
Member Comments