Category:  Bodywork

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Description:  ANMA is the Japanese form of AMMA massage therapy, remaining more pure to the central precepts of AMMA than most US versions of AMMA.  Rather than trying to develop an entire diagnostic and therapeutic system like AMMA Therapy or the permuted forms of AMMA massage being used in the US that combine acupuncture, cupping, Western medicine and chiropractic, ANMA remains true to what it is: a massage technique. Anma is directed at specific vital points and meridians, using seven traditional techniques: pressing/stroking, grasping/kneading, strengthening, compressing, vibrating, tapping and "hand music". Abdominal palpation (ampuku) is a vigorous form of massage with gripping movements intended to increase blood flow to muscles and deep tissues and was added later to the anma technique. Unlike Swedish massage, Anma massage strokes are delivered away from the heart, and Anma is a dry massage through the clothing whereas Swedish is an oil or lotion massage.

 

History:  ANMA developed from Tui Na techniques and was practiced in Japan during the Nara period 710-793 AD in government sponsored hospitals and was known in Japan as Anma. .  Anma as a unique system, was founded in 1320 by Akashi Kan Ichi of Japan.  The 17th century acupuncturist Sugiyama Waichi popularized Anma. From the 1600s until 1867, Anma was associated with the "Floating World" ukiyo lifestyle of pleasure seeking, and was practiced by prostitutes. But it was also practiced by the blind from the time of Sugiyama, giving the blind a means of earning a living that persisted into the modern era.  During the occupation of Japan by the US after World War II, anma was banned, and until Helen Keller interceded, the blind were not able to make a living practicing anma. Shiatsu was developed from ANMA massage and is a separate and but related type of massage now. Shiatsu practitioners will use both Shiatsu and ANMA techniques while ANMA practitioners use only ANMA.  

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Touted uses:  Unlike many other massage therapies, Anma practitioners typically do not claim to be able to cure a large number of diseases or oversell the technique, but instead focus on the whole body health.  It can be used to balance emotions, relieve sports injuries, and is a well established beauty treatment reducing wrinkles.  Anma promotes long deep breathing, increasing energy pathways (Keiraku), and promotes overall health.

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Protocol:  The patient is usually clothed, as this is a "dry massage", and may be administered with the patient sitting or lying down.  It is one part of Asian medicine, with Kampo frequently being used by Asians in addition to moxibusion. The strokes in Anma are: Anbuho-Light stroking technique (Effleurage); Junetsuho-Kneading technique; Annetsuho-Circular deep stroking and friction technique; Appakuho-Compression technique; Shinsenho-Vibration technique; Haakuho-Squeezing/Grasping technique; Kodaho-Tapotement (hacking) technique; Kyokuteho-Hand rolling technique; Undoho-Mobilization techniques (active, passive, and resisted movements), assisted stretching and joints manipulations.  

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Training:  There are a few schools in the US teaching Japanese massage but there is no specific certification for this type of massage.  

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LEVELS OF EVIDENCE:

BETA LEVEL:

-Eight weeks of Anma therapy vs no therapy in gynecological cancer survivors demonstrated significant reduction in subjective physical complaints and pain, and reduced urinary epinephrine production (inhibition of sympathetic nervous system) in those receiving the therapy (Gynecol Oncol 2016 Sep:142(3):531-8)

GAMMA LEVEL:

-In patients with Parkinsons disease, Anma vs no Anma therapy in a small pilot study showed significant improvement in shoulder abduction on the affected side and the unaffected side (J Bodyw Mov Ther 2016 Apr;20(2):364-72)

-In a small crossover pilot study of 15 females in their 50s was found to significantly reduce muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder and anxiety.  (J Bodyw Mov Ther 2010 Jan:14(1):55-64)

-In Parkinson's disease patients, a single Anma session significantly reduced muscle stiffness, movement difficulties, pain, and fatigue while gait speed and pegboard test time significantly shortened, stride length lengthened, and shoulder flexion and abduction were improved.  There was no change in control patients  (Complement Ther Clin Pract 2014 Nov;20(4):251-61)

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RECOMMENDATION: One thumb up.  There is some evidence of effectiveness in limited situations and the therapists practicing this style of massage use it to complement, not replace a person's healthcare by overselling the benefits of massage.  If it is inexpensive and has some health benefits it may be worth engaging in this therapy.

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