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Eastern Massage Therapy

There are many different types of Oriental, Asian or Eastern Massage Therapy. This includes both traditional forms and modern variations. As noted previously, within the general divisions are modern variations and hybrids. Some forms of massage therapy are new creations based on ancient traditions. Others are further developments of existing forms of massage therapy. In some East meets West with an interesting twist on traditional concepts.

The standard form of Eastern Massage Therapy is called Chinese Massage Therapy (CMT). In essence this is a term embracing all forms of massage therapy falling into the category of traditional Chinese practices. CMT can refer to Acupressure, Amma or Tui Na. In some instances the term used is not CMT but Energy Work or Asian Massage Therapy. The latter is a more suitable term than CMT. It seems more appropriate to use Asian Massage Therapy (AMT) when you include types of massage from Japan and Thailand.

Yet no matter what you call it, Eastern Massage Therapy bases its practice on principles of medicine predating Western concepts. As a result, the approach is very disparate from most Western practices. It bases its concept on the belief in a life force traveling along specific body channels (12 meridians and 8 other channels). If there is a disturbance in the flow of Chi/Qi (Ki) and a blockage, build-up or loss occurs, the person falls mentally, physically or emotionally ill. It is then up to the practitioner to find the problem and restore the balance of the Chi. This is accomplished by pressing, kneading, pinching, squeezing and percussing along the acupoints along the channels or the extraordinary acupoints not on the channels. The practitioner does this to restore the balance of the Ki/Qi – the life or energy force. This is one reason why some refer to the practice of Eastern Massage Therapy as Energy Work.

The other prominent feature of all styles of Eastern Massage Therapy is the philosophical approach. This is a holistic treatment. It does not focus solely on the body. Its intent is to treat the whole person. It addresses the body-mind-soul aspects. All traditional forms do so, while modern variations may focus on one particular aspect.

The most common form of Asian Massage Therapy (AMT) is Acupressure. It appears under many guises and with different variations in both traditional and modern types of AMT. Tui Na (Chinese) and Amma (Japanese) are traditional forms of acupressure. Both types predate the more popular Shiatsu. The techniques, however, are essentially the same. Amma or Anma combines pressure point techniques with stroking measures similar to those of Swedish Massage. It directs its healing properties towards the meridians and channels the energy along these points. Amma utilizes the theory of the five elements as part of the process. Amma is probably based on the ancient practice of Tui Na.

Tui Na is the forerunner of both Amma and Shiatsu. The at least 2000-year-old practice encompasses Acupressure but extends further to include various different strokes. There is pressing but also kneading, waving, shaking, pressing, percussion and manipulating of the body at pressure points between the joints and along the specific meridians. Tui Na may also use herbs as well as manual manipulation and acupressure in the treatment. There are various schools promoting and teaching Tui Na. Tui Na, like Shiatsu, is an accepted practice in Asian hospitals.

Thai Massage is also similar to Tui Na. However, the roots for Thai Massage are in both India and China. This is energy work, but it is more similar to ancient Hindu energy work. The pattern of meridians is more Indian than Chinese. The methods, however, are familiar to Tui Na practitioners. Pressure of the palms and fingers is applied to the points along the channels or meridians. This releases blockages along the routes. Thai Massage also utilizes various stretches of the body. The practitioner moves the body in certain ways to help energize the body and increase the range of movement. An adapted approach of Thai Massage is Thai Yoga Massage. This type of massage closely aligns the practices of Thai Massage techniques with those of Yoga. The life force in this instance is referred to by the Indian word of Prana.

There are newer or more modern types of Asian Massage Therapy. These include Aromatherapy Massage and Reiki. Both have a traditional basis but seem, to many people, very New Age. Aromatherapy Massage does have an ancient lineage. Its roots are located in India, Egypt, Babylon, Greece and in the Moorish Empire. Aromatherapy Massage relies on the power of scent, using essential oils extracted from plants with healing properties. The oils are sent into the air and rubbed upon the body. The method of massage can vary. The techniques may resemble more Swedish Massage than Tui Na. there is gliding, kneading and friction rather than acupressure. The perception and applications, however, have more in common with Asian beliefs of healing.

Reiki is another form of modern traditional Eastern Massage Therapy. Practitioners say it has Tibetan origins. The variation today, owes its origins to the work of Dr. Mikado Usui in the late 19th century. The Usui System of Natural Healing bases its healing therapy on the manipulation of energy. The word “Rei” refers to the universal aspect of healing while “ki” is the word for the basic life force (Chinese Chi/Qi). Everyone possesses ki and we replenish it when we eat, drink, breathe and go about our daily functions. If a person is unable to replenish the ki, he or she becomes ill – emotionally, physically or mentally. In Reiki, the channels conducting energy are frequently referred to as Chakras instead of meridians. The practitioner uses his or her hands to restore the energy. This involves exchange between client and therapist. It does not mean the physical touching of the body. In fact, Reiki practitioners usually have no physical contact with the body of the recipient.

Reiki, Amma, Tuina, Aromatherapy and Thai Massage are all types of Asian or Chinese Massage therapy. They all have a single intent. They wish to restore the body, in all its aspects, to perfect health. In order to do so, a practitioner draws upon traditional concepts of the body. These may include various passageways where the energy force flows and pressure points. Using scents, pressure and various other means, the therapist attempts to remove or replace energy, Qi (Chi), Ki or the life force. The therapist may also remove blockages or obstructions to energy flow. In doing so, the practitioner hopes to reinstate the natural balance to the body and, thus, restore health to body, mind, emotions and soul.