Asian Style Bodywork

by Anita Lanier, LMT

The benefits of massage therapy are well known; increased circulation, a boost to the immune system, increased pliancy and flexibility in the body’s tissues and a sense of well-being. Below find a brief summary of Asian style bodywork which has a tradition that is more than 5,000 years old – in written form!

ZEN SHIATSU
Using relaxed weight, and vertical palmar pressure, the therapist pays special attention to tense areas and tsubos or acupressure points where blocked chi will be released. Working on a padded mat on the floor, the client, dressed in loose, comfortable clothing, is gently and slowly massaged with thumbs, palms, and forearms, with occasional assisted stretching, full-body twisting, and swinging and rotating of the limbs. A Zen Shiatsu session addresses the whole body from head to toe — thus leaving clients with a feeling of openness and alert relaxation.

JIN SHIN ACUPRESSURE METHOD

While lying fully clothed on a massage table, the practitioner palpates various acupressure points to release blocked chi or energy, depending on the specific needs of the client. Not to be confused with acupuncture, which uses needles, an acupressurist uses fingers, thumbs, or palms to apply pressure to bring relief to the client for a variety of issues: neck and back pain, shoulder injuries, headaches, sinus trouble, or even anxiety and fatigue.

TUI NA STYLE

Tui Na is a more vigorous Chinese style of massage therapy. It includes attention to acupressure points, meridians, but with quite a bit of stretching, rotation, percussion, and a wide range of stimulating finger, hand, and forearm movements. It is especially effective for joints and ligaments. Tui Na also works well as a warm up to a more relaxing acupressure session that can address issues specific to the client.

LAZY MAN’S YOGA

Traditional Thai massage session which addresses energy lines with thumb and palm pressure, but from an Ayurvedic perspective. Developed over centuries by Buddhist monks, its origins can be traced back 2,500 years to India. Thai massage is performed on a floor mat, and the client is stretched and twisted into yogic postures, as well as pummeled and lifted into a state of energized relaxation. Thai massage incorporates breathwork and gentle stretching to create a “dance” between the practitioner and recipient.

There are many forms of massage; however, the Zen Shiatsu, Acupressure, Thai and Tui Na provide an energetic as well as a physical massage — the benefits of which can last for several days afterward. Massage can play a vital role in our health. So allow yourself to experience the ancient tradition of massage.

Anita Lanier, LMT is the owner of Anita Shiatsu! She can be reached at 702-204-1342, Las Vegas, Nevada or email Anita at anitashiatsu @hotmail.com. Visit her website at www.anitashatsu.com