Anma is Japanese therapeutic massage that has historical roots in Nepal, Tibet, and western China. The phrase anma interprets as “press and rub” and is pronounced anmo (AHN-mo) in Chinese language and anma (AHN-ma) in Japanese and Korean. Anma is usually known as amma therapeutic massage remedy.
This model of therapeutic massage was launched to Japan across the fifth or sixth century (sources range on the precise date). Japanese anma then developed independently and have become considerably completely different from the modern-day Chinese language and Korean variations.
Historically handed down by way of households, anma grew to become deeply woven into Japanese historical past and tradition. Every amma grasp/teacher practices and teaches barely completely different methods. Kinds of anma embrace Genko, Koho, and Yoshida-ryū.
Strategies, that are utilized to tsubo (acupoints) and alongside the physique’s 14 meridians (12 major power channels and the 2 governing vessels), embrace stroking, kneading, and stretching. Software might vary from very quick and lightweight to deep and gradual to stimulate muscle tissue and promote well being. Combining methods reduces rigidity and ache within the physique and stimulates the inner organs, selling well being by correcting imbalances.
Anma has seven foundational methods:
- Ju Neetsu Ho – Kneading
- Kei Satsu Ho – Gentle stroking
- Ap Paku Ho – Stress
- Shin Sen Ho – Vibrating
- Ko Da Ho – Percussion
- Kyoku Te Ho – Particular percussion methods
- Un Do Ho – Motion, stretching, and train methods
There are additionally 4 supplemental methods:
- Kyo Satsu Ho – Stroking or rotating methods with heavy strain
- Ha Aku Ho – Gripping and squeezing
- Ken Biki Ho – Pulling and traction methods
- Shin Kin Ho – Stretching the muscle tissue, tendons, and fascia
Historically, anma is carried out on a mat on the ground however can be given on a desk, or in some other place higher fitted to the receiver. Practitioners hardly ever use oils and lotions and usually do the therapeutic massage with the consumer absolutely clothed; nevertheless, the methods can be utilized straight on the pores and skin.
Main Supply: Anma: The Artwork of Japanese Therapeutic massage by Shogo Mochizuki
Anma in America
In 1971, Kabuki Scorching Springs opened in Japantown, San Francisco, California, and formally launched anma to america. This conventional Japanese spa employed practitioners who had skilled in Japan and got here to the U.S. to work.
By 1977, the spa’s homeowners wished a neighborhood supply of practitioners. The homeowners requested Takashi Nakamura from the Kansai Faculty of Therapeutic massage in Osaka, Japan, to show in San Francisco. He taught anma on the Kabuki Shiatsu Faculty of Therapeutic massage, which later grew to become the Amma Institute. When Nakamura returned to Japan in 1982, his pupil David Palmer (the “father of chair therapeutic massage“) took over the Amma Institute.
After the Amma Institute closed, Eric Eisenmann based the Faculty of Japanese Therapeutic Arts (SOJHA) in 2013 to proceed educating the unique curriculum and genuine traditions of Koho Anma.
Supply: The Anma Institute of Conventional Japanese Therapeutic massage
Video Demo of Anma Therapeutic massage
Research: The Results of Anma—Randomized Trial
Amma Therapeutic massage Remedy vs. Shiatsu
Though anma remains to be very talked-about in Japan, and has practitioners and faculties around the globe, you may often extra simply discover shiatsu therapeutic massage within the Western world.
Shiatsu developed within the early twentieth century from the anma custom. A foremost distinction between the 2 is that anma’s basis method is kneading, which is mixed with a number of different methods, together with percussion. Shiatsu makes use of principally strain methods and makes use of neither kneading or percussion. Whereas these two varieties of Japanese therapeutic massage do share among the identical or related methods, they’re typically used in another way, in line with Mochizuki.
Advised e book: Shiatsu Anma Remedy. DoAnn’s Brief & Lengthy Kinds
Amma Remedy vs. Anma Japanese Therapeutic massage
As talked about earlier, anma can be a part of the Korean custom. Amma Remedy, developed by Korean-born Tina Sohn, is distinct from anma Japanese therapeutic massage.
Amma Remedy combines methods and remedy methods utilizing conventional Asian medical ideas to evaluate and consider power imbalances and a Western strategy to organ dysfunctions. Along with strain methods, Amma Remedy consists of weight loss plan, cleansing strategies, natural and vitamin dietary supplements, and therapeutic workouts.
See Sohn’s e book, Amma Remedy: A Full Textbook of Oriental Bodywork and Medical Rules.
Picture Credit score: See web page for creator, CC BY 4.0, by way of Wikimedia Commons.
