Oriental bodywork therapies include the treatment of the human body, mind and spirit, which also includes the energy field, and brings the body to a more aware "life" by pressure or manipulation. Based on traditional oriental medicine principles, the therapist assesses the energetic system. Oriental bodywork balances the energetic system for the purpose of treating the human body, emotions, mind, energy field and spirit for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. Below is just a very small sampling of these types of therapies and massage.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is Japanese for "finger pressure," but it's much more than acupressure. It is a combination of different techniques including pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibration, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, rolling, brushing and walking on the client's back, legs and feet. Shiatsu strengthens the immune system, and if practiced consistently, becomes preventive health care. Unlike Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, where the client lies on a massage table, is undressed (and draped), and the therapist uses lotion, the shiatsu client typically lies on a mat. The therapist uses finger and barefeet or stockinged feet through the client's clothes.

Shiatsu is a Japanese healing art deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Incorporating the therapeutic massage of Japan, shiatsu is a balance, a dance, between the practitioner and client, in which the healing power of both build upon each other to clear and balance the vital life force known as Qi.

Macrobiotic Shiatsu

Founded by Shizuko Yamamoto, Microbiotic Shiatsu supports a natural lifestyle and heightened instincts for improving health. Assessments are through visual, verbal and touch techniques including pulses and the Five Transformations. Treatment involves non invasive touch and pressure using hand and barefoot techniques along with stretches. This helps to facilitate the flow of Qi and to strengthen the body and mind. Dietary guidance, medicinal plant food, breathing and postural rebalancing are included.

Shiatsu/Anma Therapy

Shiatsu/Anma Therapy utilizes a unique blending of two of the most popular oriental bodywork forms practiced in Japan. Dr.. Keneko introduced traditional Anma massage therapy based on the energetic system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the neuromusculoskeletal system. Ampaku, abdominal massage therapy, is another foundation of Anma massage therapy in his school.

Traditional Thai Massage

Nuad Bo Rarn is the traditional Thai Medical Massage. Thai massage is based upon an integration of Indian Buddhist medicine and TCM. Thai massage utilizes hand techniques and a unique approach to passive movement. The therapist stretches the client in order to open up the energy passages and releases chronic tension in the body. Traditional Thai massage incorporates a spiritual dimension in it's gentle and focused approach to Oriental bodywork.

Tuina

Another method on Chinese bodywork, Tuina utilizes soft tissue manipulation, acupressure and structural realignment methods to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and internal organ disorders. Tuina also utilizes the use of external herbal medicines and therapeutic exercises.

Chavutti Thirummal

This information and photo are taken from Prabhat Menon's website, Panchendriya. Kerala in South India is mostly known for beautiful beaches and magnificent backwaters. But Kerala is also the home of the traditional medicine Ayurveda, the ancient martial art Kalarippayatt and the classical dance Kathakali. Chavutti Thirummal, the Keralite massage with the foot, is an inseparable part of these traditions.

This a unique whole body massage using massage using the feet instead of the hands. The therapist holds a rope and gives massage with the feet, the feet moving in several patterns all over the body. After applying healing oils, the therapist uses body weight to work on the energy lines focusing on muscle and bone alignment. This restores elasticity and flexibility. Massage is done mainly with the instep of the foot, at times using the toes and heels.

Chuvutti Thirummal is a delicate balancing act with the rope and requires tremendous  coordination, concentration and physical power. Chuvutti Thirummal is done on a firm, supportive mat on the floor. The client has to be bare bodied.