Ancient Healing Art for Holistic Wellness: Asian Massage Therapy

Massage has been practiced for thousands of years dating back to the ancient Greece. In fact, the word “massage” is Greek in origin meaning “to touch”. Today, massage is one of the most popular spa services and therapy that include stroking of the skin or kneading and manipulation of the muscles or applying pressure on some areas of the body. Asian massage therapy are massage techniques that originated and deveopled in India and the Far East. Through the course of centuries, Asian massage therapy which are ancient healing rituals aim to work with the body’s energetic system for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health.

Several forms of Asian massage therapy are still being utilized today such as the Thai massage, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic massage, acupressure and Amma massage therapy to name a few. Thai massage as an Asian massage therapy is a hot “new” massage offered by most modern spas. But this Asian massage therapy actually originated in India and was developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand 2,500 years ago. Thai massage uses guided stretching and Meridian pressure point therapy in combination with the “Pranayama” which is an ancient breathing method. Thai massage as an Asian massage therapy increases flexibility, relieves muscle and joint tension and balances the body’s energy systems.

As this Asian massage therapy is accompanied by breathing techniques, Thai massage is said to be a little like doing yoga only the therapist is the one instigating the body to assume various positions. Thai massage is both relaxing and energizing as well as helpful in cleansing the body and strengthening the nervous system. Another Asian massage therapy is the Ayurvedic massage. This Asian massage therapy has its roots from an ancient Indian medical tradition. Ayurvedic massage aids the individual in receiving nutrient material from the body and is helpful in expelling toxins. Certain ailments related to the muscles, ligaments and the nervous system can be completely healed through good Ayurvedic massage.

This form of Asian massage therapy is also an ideal remedy for pain. Chinese acupressure or “tui-na” is a 5,000-year-old Asian massage therapy which aids in the body’s activation of its own self-healing abilities by applying pressure on specific key points in the body. Acupressure has been a centuries-old remedy for back pain, migraines and headaches as well as for stress and anxiety. Furthermore, it can assist in weight management. Shiatsu are two Japanese words compounded, “shi” meaning finger and “atsu” meaning pressure. This Asian massage therapy originally developed in Japan. Shiatsu is similar to acupuncture, but the therapist uses finger pressure instead of needles.

Using the thumbs, palms and hands to apply pressure in key point areas of the body, this Asian massage therapy aims to promote energy balance and physical well-being. Another Asian massage therapy is the Indonesian-Javanese massage system in which all parts of the hand including the knuckles, are used to knead and massage the muscles and is usually facilitated with massage oil. This Asian massage therapy is effective on the muscles and the nerves and it aids in relieving back pain and tension as well as in hastening the healing of fractures. This form of Asian massage therapy is often the most robust and painful yet beneficial in the long run.

Asian massage therapy has its roots in a spiritual tradition and almost always, these treatments are holistic. The purpose of Asian massage therapy is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually.