Asian massage refers to any massage style that has developed or has its origin in any of the countries located on the Asian continent. Some of the bodywork styles include Tui Na, Shiatsu, Amma, Jin shin Jyutsu, Varma Chikitsa and Nhad Boran.

Asian techniques focus on the flow of energy within the body. Some of these techniques are applied with little or no direct touching of the skin. The practitioner will oftentimes glide her hands just a few short inches above the body's surface, working purely with the flow of energy in the patients body. Other Asian styles deal with the physical aspects of the body and use very deep pressure techniques. There are also styles that use an assortment of different stretch techniques. Therapeutic scents and oils, along with medicinal herbs may also be used.

Because the continent of Asia has so many different regions, each with its own unique style,there are many different Asian bodywork massage styles. Despite the many differences, a large number of the styles are believed to have grown out of the ancient Ayurvedic traditions of India.

History Of Asian Massage

The Ayurvedic health system began in India about 3000 B.C. The many rich cultures of Asia have long been a birth place of great healing systems. These systems have a holistic view of health that seeks to maintain balance between the physical and spiritual (energy) aspects of our well being. This holistic view along with its special practices spread to other parts of Asia, including Indonesia and Thailand. In China, the Chinese massage disciplines of Anmo and Tui Na developed. This specialized knowledge continued to spread to Japan and other areas on the continent. Japanese massage, Chinese massage and other distinct specialties began to form, and these practices now serve as the basis for the different Asian massage styles.


East versus West

One of the main differences between the medical and health systems of the East versus that of the West is the acceptance and understanding in the East of energy (spirit) flowing through the body that directly impacts the physical health of our bodies. Known in different countries by different names, prana in India, chi in China and ki in Japan, this energy when allowed to flow freely and evenly throughout the body maintains peak health and a sense of well being.


Asian Bodywork Today

Asian massage, like other massage styles, continues to evolve. There are few therapists, who still use some of the ancient forms. Some have sought training in several different styles and apply a wide variety of techniques and styles when working with patients. The main difference between Asian styles of massage and the massage styles of the West is that Asian massage styles place a great focus not only on the physical aspects of the body, but use a combination of spiritual (energy flow) and physical tactics to promote healing and well being in the body.


A Brief Description of Popular Asian Bodywork Styles


Chinese Massage: Chinese massage is closely related to acupuncture . It uses the meridian system and is considered to be very effective for a wide range of health problems. Its techniques are often used alongside a variety herbs, special diets, Qigong and one of the fundamental arts of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Shiatsu Massage: Originating in Japan, shiatsu is a therapy of physical and energetic (ki) rebalance. It uses a variety of pressures applied with the thumbs, fingers and palms of the hands applied to specific areas and points of the body, without the use of any additional equipment or instruments. It corrects internal body problems, promoting total health and treating specific illnesses.

Thai massage: Thai Massage involves manipulation of the body using several passive stretching techniques and using gentle pressure along energy lines. Its considered to be very relaxing as well as energizing. Thai body massage is a little like doing yoga (without putting forth any effort) while also receiving acupressure treatments.

Ayurvedic massage: Practiced traditionally in India and now increasingly throughout the West. The Ayurvedic tradition uses massage to calm the mind, relax the muscles and remove toxins from the body. the oils used in Ayurvedic massage often contain strong medicine herbs.