Nihon Kaifuku Anma

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Nihon Kaifuku Anma is the Japanese restoration massage. It is used in some Japanese martial arts. Anma Massage is the art of Japanese massage originated in China 3000 years ago and was introduced to Japan about 1300 years ago. Swedish and Shiatsu are among the massage forms that grew out of this rich tradition. Anma is deep tissue work using no oils and is based on kneading movements.

In Japanese, Anma means massage or massage therapist. It refers to the oldest known form of traditional Asian massage. Using no oil, Anma involves stretching, squeezing and massaging to stimulate the body to become and/or remain healthy. Anma focuses on improving muscle condition and circulation of Qi, or Universal Life Energy. While Western massage techniques tend to focus on relaxing the client, the goals of Anma are to influence the internal organs, maintain balanced physical and psychological functioning of the body, reduce various ailments and help with realigning of the physical structure that may be needed.

Anma is not Shiatsu but Shiatsu is a part of Anma. It was not until 1964 that Shiatsu was recognized as distinct and independent from Anma massage. Originally a Shiatsu therapist was a specialist who performed one Anma technique, the pressure method (Ap Paku Ho). Anma's foundation is the kneading technique, which combines with several different application techniques to construct the massage. The kneading technique (Ju Netsu Ho) and the percussion techniques (Ko Da Ho and Kyoku Te Ho) are a unique part of Anma and are not found in any other style of massage.