Shiatsu and Anma are traditional Japanese Acupressure and Bodywork therapies that help maintain and improve your body’s natural healing power and self recovery.

It is based on a medicinal tradition that exists in Japan and China for many centuries and had benefited millions of people ever since then. 

Meaning: SHI= finger, ATSU= pressure (Japanese).

Shiatsu is a form of manual pressure therapy done (mostly) by fingers and developed in Japan. Shiatsu was created only at the beginning of the 20’Th century (name was first published in 1915). In 1955 Shiatsu was recognized as a form of massage therapy aside Anma & western massage and in 1964 was recognized by the Japanese government as an independent form of therapy with unique standards of training & licensing.

The main difference between Shiatsu and other forms of massage is the focusing on pressure techniques as well as combining oriental traditional theory with modern western science. The goal of Shiatsu is to promote and regulate the natural healing powers existing in the patient’s body through a variety of controlled manual pressure for the sake of disease prevention and symptomatic relieve.

In part Shiatsu also focuses on regulating the physiological functioning of internal organs by affecting the nervous system and releasing the spinal region from local tension creating factors.

Being a relatively young form of therapy and rapidly developed has created many styles & schools of Shiatsu, differing from one another mainly by theoretical understanding & vision. Some of the styles are very popular and some are less.

The style in which I was trained in was developed by Dr. D.T. Kaneko and is based on Professor’s K. Serizawa’s Acupressure(“TSUBO”) therapy. Professor Serizawa, born in 1915, was one of the most noted figures in oriental medicine and devoted his life to the research of “TSUBO” (points of stimulation found in traditional oriental medicine). More on Wikipedia

Lit.: An= pressure, Ma = massage (Japanese).

Anma was imported to Japan from China during the 6’Th century AD and is in use as one of the major healing medical forms ever since then. Since its arrival to Japan Anma is known in many levels, from the general basic level (health maintenance) up to a clinical level used by traditional healers for diagnosis & treatment of patients.

Anma includes a wide variety of massage techniques such as muscle kneading, rubbing, pressing, body tapping, shaking, vibrating and more.

Anma went through a tremendous theoretical & clinical development while in Japan, after centuries of being guided under Chinese classical theory (until 17th century). Anma became mainly attributed to blind therapists (known as highly sensitive) who were training in various schools in Japan at that time.

With the import of modern medicine to Japan (19’Th century AD) Anma had lost its medical value and was lowered to a level of “relaxation massage”. The term “Anma-San” became a nick-name for blind therapists. Many healers lost their livelihood looking for another way to introduce the effectiveness of this healing art to the public. This is one of the reasons for the development of SHIATSU and a professional awakening of many healers at the beginning of the 20th century. More on Wikipedia

In translation (Jap.): “Palpating the abdomen”.

Ampuku is a part of Anma massage in traditional Japan focusing in treating the abdomen. The abdomen, in traditional Japanese philosophy is considered to be the center of human life and the source of our health. Many healers considered the root of disease as located in the abdomen (Lit. “HARA”).

Ever since the 17’Th century Japan, Ampuku has developed to a clinical level and dealt with many patterns of sickness, sometimes combined with additional oriental medical techniques such as herbology, moxibation etc.

Ampuku techniques are all derived from Anma massage and focusing them on the abdomen. Ampuku has several ways of diagnosis & treatment, according to several different styles which have developed over the centuries.

Nowadays Ampuku is in use for treating & healing a variety of cases such as: relief of abdominal (gastrointestinal, menstrual, digestive, circulatory etc.) syndromes, helping pregnancy, midwifery treatments, rehabilitation from childbirth, stress relieve etc.

The style in which I am trained uses simple talk powder over the exposed abdomen for a more comfortable feeling during the treatment. This style is based on two traditional styles being taught in Japan: The GOTO style and SHINSAI OTA style ( two great healers at their time). Learn more

How is Shiatsu-Anma treatment performed?

Shiatsu-Anma is a clothes-on bodywork, and as a form of Asian bodywork it is performed traditionally on a matt on the floor (however in commercial locations it can be also performed on a massage table, a chair etc.). Sessions usually lasts about an hour, sometimes 90 minutes. It is recommended to show up with light full clothing since stretching and joint exercises may be involved, and on an empty and comfortable stomach.

After the treatment it is highly recommended to avoid rushing time since the body may be “flushing” waste and metabolizing. Rest is usually recommended and to follow any specific advice given by the therapist.

How can Shiatsu-Anma healing benefit our body?

Shiatsu Anma healing therapy can greatly impact the body’s cellular circulation and nerve management. Every pressure technique is aimed at triggering an instinctive abdominal breathing response (diaphragm), so blocked tissues can rejuvenate and heal via an improved circulation of blood  and QI energy. Additional Stretchers and joint mobilizations help to restore natural body structural alignment.

Who can benefit from Shiatsu-Anma healing?

Shiatsu-Anma caters to  individuals who care for their bodies and seek to improve and utilize their own natural healing powers for the purpose of general and specific well-being. It helps to improve bodily circulation and also to alleviate a large variety of bodily ailments. It may help any type of individuals, age, gender, body constitution etc.

For treating in special conditions such as pregnancy, post surgery or in any significant medical condition please contact me in person for further information.

  * Treatment is contraindicated in case of drug/alcohol consumption and cannot legally replace any prescribed medical treatment without and authorized permission!

Is Shiatsu-Anma healing safe?

Since Shiatsu-Anma pressure points are done comfortably, using no muscle force, but utilizing controlled body weight, it is believed to be the most safe modality of bodywork. A good pressure technique can hardly hurt anybody if done reasonably and with a heartfelt intent to help.

In case of severe medical restrictions it is advised to be supervised by a qualified and experienced Shiatsu-Anma therapist but in most cases and at home it is as safe as scratching our nose when its itchy.

I have nearly 30 years practicing as a Shiatsu-Anma therapist, working in integrated institutes with other professionals, practicing independently, and instructing Shiatsu-Anma in several Massage schools, workshops etc.

Currently I practice Shiatsu-Anma independently in Orlando area, Florida, and also providing private SELF AWARENESS lessons for individuals seeking to improve their health and healing vital energy (see Home page).

I have grown to forge a unique understanding of the art and obtain a highly effective and firm practice style.

My dream is to promote Shiatsu-Anma and health awareness so to help as many people that I could and pass on this AMAZING healing art!

• ✅Pain management
• ✅Stress management
• ✅Fatigue
• ✅Sports Injuries
• ✅Digestive ailments
• ✅Bladder issues
• ✅Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• ✅Sciatica

• ✅Sleeping disorders

• ✅Pregnancy/Post-Natal support

⚪Read more about it in My Blog. There are many more health conditions in which I’ve had success previously.