Types of Asian Massage

If nothing else is commonly known about Asian massage in our Western culture, one thing is generally understood about Eastern therapies; they are quite a bit more focused on more natural and preventative health techniques compared to our society. Some types of Asian massage have been accepted and practiced for thousands of years in Eastern cultures.

Types

There are quite a few different types of Asian massage. The more commonly known forms would include shiatsu and acupressure, with tui-na being a form of acupressure that began over five thousand years ago, using the fingers to compress acupuncture points. Amma, or Anma, Japanese translation for massage, is a form of Asian massage where the therapist applies strokes and stretches with their hands, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet. This massage is done with no oils or lotions and is very artistic in that its style reflects the main dance principles of a dance-like exercise known as kata, focusing on precision and rhythm. Champissage is another type of Asian massage that focuses solely on the upper half of the body. The therapist will massage the face, scalp, neck, ears, shoulders and upper arms. This massage improves circulation to the scalp and is beneficial to the hair roots. It can also help with headaches and eye strain. A Javanese massage is a form of Asian massage where the therapist will perform the massage using all parts of their hands, including the knuckles. This massage is an effective therapy for tension and muscle pain and spasms but is considered the most painful of all Asian massage therapies.

References Cited in this Article

www.goarticles.com

www.massage-info-4u.com

www.motleyhealth.com