Anma Therapy

Anma means 'push-pull' and is one of the oldest forms of traditional Japanese bodywork. It comprises of a unique blend of palpatory techniqes; soft tissue massage, acupressure, passive stretches and fascial release techniques for joint /spine mobilisation. Modern Anma Therapy uses Western clinical methods to assess joint range and structural issues and uses Kinesiology to test neural pathways for gait and postural imbalances. This integrated view of the body as a whole, and precise application of technique, allows corrections to be long lasting and 'global' - allowing the body to regain holistic balance. Anma can often reduce healing time after injury or surgery and releive other under-lying issues such as digestive disorders, skin rashes, insomnia etc. In addition, sessions can be highly beneficial for reducing stress related and anxiety issues, depression, grief, PTSD, hyperactivity etc; promoting a deep sense of well-being and relaxation by easing the nervous system back into the 'rest and restore' state.

A deeper dive into Anma

Modern Anma Therapy is a direct teaching from Masaaki Hatsumi, Japanese Osteopath and living Grand Master of the Nine Schools of Ninjutsu. Within this lies Taijutsu - an ancient healing art; its principles based on the concepts of 'Hi Chi Bu Ku Goshin Jutsu' or translated - 'The Secret School of the Opening Flower'. There are many factors that have an impact on our health: environment, emotions, electrical/energy, as well as our physical structure and nutrition. The inner 'push' of a flower to bloom when conditions are correct for it to grow and expand into its full potential, is a good metaphor for how Anma can be a remedy for the fact that in these hectic modern times, our bodies are contracting under stress of all kinds every day.

Biotensegrity is a key concept in the modern understanding of these teachings - developed by Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr Stephen Levin in the 1970's. This view of our human anatomy, understands that any changes to the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) will ripple through the whole system - fascia is literally a global 'connective tissue'. This can be visualised as a shapeshifting web which torques and warps under pressure and can also be remodelled back into shape. But injuries, old trauma and stress can create compensatory muscular patterns over time, which pulls our postural 'rigging' out of alignment. This directly affects our unconscious patterns of gait and other movements which begin to 'hardwire' the use of additional or alternative muscules in an effort to hold us up and keep us together. No wonder our bodies can feel tired and out of sorts when we are using so much energy just to simply sit, stand and walk. Anma methods find these 'lesion' patterns and restores healthy, integrated neurological messages optimising the function of the core postural muscles. This leaves the body feeling lighter and 'suspended' and allows us to experience what it feels like to 'float in our walk' - the key to Hatsumi's movement techniques. Modern research is beginning to make this connection to how our bodies work too; finally moving beyond the limitations of our human anatomy being solely based on Newtonian physics and outdated theories of 'body as machine'.

During an Anma balance the client remains fully clothed and generally lies both on their front and back during a session. Most corrections are 'active', that is to say that joints are put through their range of motion, limbs are moved and the session can be thought of as a dynamic experience, rather than a passive one and is different every time. All sessions include work to balance the whole body and are tailored uniquely to individual requirements. Initial sessions begin with an in-depth consulatation and structural assessment, along with questions regarding lifestyle factors and nutrition. Maintenance exercises are recommended and advice can be given on tailoring any existing training programmes. One to one Yoga sessions and personalised exercise/ movement programmes are also available on request.