|
What is Asian Bodywork?
General Definition and Scope of Practice
Bodywork Therapies of Asia
- Definition
Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) is the treatment of the human body/mind/spirit,
including the electromagnetic or energetic field, which surrounds, infuses and
brings that body to life, by pressure and/or manipulation. Asian Bodywork is
based upon Traditional Chinese Medical principles for assessing and evaluating
the energetic system. It uses traditional Asian techniques and treatment
strategies to primarily affect and balance 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.
Scope of Practice
Methods of assessment and evaluation may include the Chinese Four Pillars of
examination as follows: observation, listening, asking and touching. Assessments
are based primarily on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) parameters relating to
the balance and circulation of the Five Essential Substances: Qi, Jing,
Shen, Xue, Jin-ye.
ABT is one of the three branches of TCM in which the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certifies people for entry level into the profession. Treatment may include, but is not limited to the following: touching, pressing or holding of the body along meridians and/or on acupoints primarily with the hands, stretching, external application of medicinal plant foods, heat or cold, dietary and exercise suggestion. Cupping, guasha, moxibustion and other methods/modalities may also be used by properly trained practitioners.
ABT Forms
The AOBTA uses the term "Form" to differentiate different kinds of
Asian Bodywork Therapy, which we have been able to identify as specific and
distinct entities.
All Forms that are defined here originally had their roots in Chinese Medicine.
Over the centuries practitioners in China, Japan,
Thailand,
Definitions of AOBTA forms used in our office
Acupressure
Acupressure is a system of balancing the body’s energy by applying pressure
to specific acupoints to release tension and increase circulation. The many
hands-on methods of stimulating the acupressure points can strengthen
weaknesses, relieve common ailments, prevent health disorders and restore the
body’s vital life force.
Five Element Shiatsu
The primary emphasis of Five Element Shiatsu is to identify a pattern of
disharmony through use of the four examinations and to harmonize that pattern
with an appropriate treatment plan. Hands on techniques and preferences for
assessment varies with the practitioner, depending on their individual
background and training. The radial pulse usually provides the most critical and
detailed information. Palpation of the back and/or abdomen and a detailed verbal
history serve to confirm the assessment. Considerations of the client’s
lifestyle, emotional and psychological factors are all considered important.
Although this approach uses the paradigm of the five elements to tonify, sedate
or control patterns of disharmony, practitioners of this style also consider hot
or cold; internal or external symptoms and signs.
Tuina
Tuina is a method of Chinese Bodywork that utilizes soft tissue manipulation,
acupoints, and structural realignment methods to treat a wide variety of
musculoskeletal and internal organ disorders. Tuina utilizes Traditional Chinese
Medical theory in assessing energetic and functional disorders. In addition, the
use of external herbal medicines and therapeutic exercise is also included. Learn
more about Tuina.
Zen Shiatsu
Zen Shiatsu is characterized by the theory of Kyo-Jitsu, its physical and
psychological manifestations, and its application to abdominal diagnosis. Zen
Shiatsu theory is based on an extended meridian system that includes as well as
expands the location of the traditional acupuncture meridians. The focus of a
Zen Shiatsu session is on the use of meridian lines rather than on specific
points. In addition, Zen Shiatsu does not adhere to a fixed sequence or set of
methods that are applied to all. It utilizes appropriate methods for the unique
pattern of each individual. Zen Shiatsu was developed by Shizuto Masunaga.
Medical Qigong
Medical Qigong (MQC), an ancient branch of Chinese Medicine, has existed for
several thousand years. Like Acupuncture and Tuina therapies, MQC is based on
meridian and point theory, as well as ancient Chinese philosophy. MQC refers to
a wide series of therapeutic methods, including but not limited to; breath
training, psychosomatic exercises, meditation and guided visualization that
direct the practitioners to create a place of health and balance in their
clients. MQC practitioners are trained in Qi transference and replenishment to
be used as a healing art, different from self-Qigong exercises taught for
personal use. Learn
more about Medical Qigong.
This information copyrighted© 2005 by AOBTA. All rights reserved. No part of this information may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission. www.aobta.org
Back to Frequently Asked Questions