Anma Massage
Anma, which is commonly referred to as healing with hands originated in China more than 5,000 years ago and is rooted in the principles of ancient Oriental Medicine. From China, warrior monks spread Anma through Korea and on to Japan where the technique was perfected and formerly called Nihon Kaifuku Anma.
Today, Anma is widely regarded as a type of Japanese massage therapy, and it is used in some forms of Japanese martial arts. Variations of Anma have led to the emergence of other related massage therapies such as Shiatsu, Tuina, and Swedish massage. Shiatsu is considered a component of Anma and was formally recognized as a distinct therapy in 1964.
The word Anma means to push and pull, which describes the basic Anma technique of kneading the skin. In addition, Anma means to spread peace by rubbing or to calm the body using the hands. By using healing arts such as stretching and squeezing directly on small areas of the skin, Anma stimulates key points on the skin’s surface called Tsubo, which are similar to acupoints. When the Tsubo points are stimulated they release the muscular and nervous system tension that leads to circulatory blockages.
Muscular tension and nerve irritation are caused by excess production and build-up of lactic acid resulting from trauma, fatigue, physical and psychological stress, chemical imbalances, and poor circulation. By releasing tensions in the body, the musculoskeletal and nervous systems are able to relax, and blood and energy (Kiketsu) are able to flow freely. The cells of the immune system become more efficient due to the free flow of lymphatic fluid. In the process of inducing free circulation of the body’s fluids, toxins are released, and symptoms caused by toxins such as headache, back pain, and constipation are reduced.
Anma Massage Procedure
Anma is a pure form of deep tissue massage in which no essential or carrier oils are used. Anma can be performed directly over clothing although some practitioners uncover only the specific area of the body they’re working on. Clients may either remain seated or lie on a massage table or floor while receiving their Anma massage. The kneading and percussion techniques used in Anma are distinct and not found in other styles of massage.
The manipulations in Anma involve 9 different categories or sections of the body, each of which results in different effects that contribute to health. In Anma massage, all of these sections are addressed regardless of the specific complaint, making this procedure a complete body massage. Because Anma offers spiritual as well as physical benefits, the massage therapist’s health is also optimized during an Anma massage
Special Precautions of Anma Massage
Anma should not be used in patients with fever or who have contagious illnesses or skin infection. Patients who recently had surgery should also wait until healing is underway before using Anma. Used after injury or trauma, Anma is most effective when used within 24-48 hours of the injury and preferably before any pain medications have been administered. Anma is available at many spas that offer Asian massage therapies. It should only be performed by massage therapists with special training.
Benefits and uses of Anma Massage are
As a therapy, Anma is primarily used to treat painful conditions that result from blockages of chi energy within the acupressure meridian system. Specifically, Anma is used to prevent and reduce symptoms in various conditions, including sports injuries, headaches, respiratory disorders, blood pressure abnormalities, constipation, gastrointestinal irritation, menstrual irregularity, fatigue and insomnia. In addition, Anma is especially effective in improving breathing, particularly in cases where respiration is shallow. Because Anma is known to restore health, it is often referred to as a restoration therapy.
In a recent study, Japanese researchers studied 15 healthy female volunteers aged 50-59 years with chronic neck stiffness. The study group received 40-minute Anma therapy sessions, followed by a 3 day interval of no therapy, followed by therapy consisting of 40-minute rest sessions. Subjects were assessed with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder, anxiety scores salivary cortisol levels, and immunoglobulin A levels before and after their treatment interventions. Results showed that Anma significantly reduced pain scores using the VAS and anxiety scores. Immunoglobulin A increased significantly across both groups, showing improvement in immune function. The researchers concluded that Anma therapy reduced muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder and also anxiety levels (Donoyama et al 2010).
