Amatsu soft tissue therapy is a therapeutic bodywork approach working with the soft tissue and fascia. It has been formed by blending of modern research on anatomy, physiology and movement with ancient Japanese movement practices (known as taijutsu) dating back some three thousand years. The Amatsu principles taught today are from the ancient school of ninjitsu known as“Hi Chi Bu Ku Goshin Jutsu”. This is a school of breathing techniques and physical modalities of well-being and translates as “The Secret School of the Opening Flower”.
Imagine a flower opening, or a piece of grass growing. As it opens or grows, although not obvious, it has immense power. Nothing will stop the flower opening or grass growing – it will even crack concrete as the blade of grass slowly and steadily grows through it. The flower will open when it has the correct environment, even if it is within a crowded space: it simply pushes slowly and steadily at its neighbours until it can grow to its full potential. This is natural movement. And it has immense power, but little strength.
Within Amatsu Soft Tissue therapy , practitioners attempt to harness natural movement to create tiny changes within the structure of the body; soft tissue, muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia. No strength is used. It is a “light touch” therapy. However, such natural movement is immensely powerful, and will create small, subtle yet far-reaching changes.
The human body (and all living things) is designed to move freely, and at will. If there are restrictions in movement, ultimately, injury or disease will occur, as the body grows to its usage. Fascia becomes tighter and restricted, free movement is not available, and “lesion patterns” occur. Amatsu Soft Tissue therapy attempts to give space back to those restricted areas of fascia, thus allowing movement.
Jane Langston - Amatsu Ambassador for ATIUK
and a little more detail.....
'A soft tissue therapy that restores balance (biotensegrity) to the body using natural body movement (taijutsu) to correct anatomical dysfunction.'
Amatsu Soft Tissue therapy has developed by using diagnostics tools from a wide range of disciplines including muscle testing and orthopedic testing to understand and explain the body’s natural principles. During a session the practitioner will assess specific dysfunctions and the most effective way to restore balance back to the whole body with minimum intervention.
This is possible because of the application of Taijutsu, which is one of the things that makes Amatsu Soft Tissue therapy unique. Taijutsu or natural body movement (as it translates from Japanese) is used by the practitioner to induce movement in the client which then facilitates a deeper level of integrated, whole body correction.
This method of working is consistent with the Biotensegrity principle as explained by Dr Steven Levin, which looks at the body as an holistic, self supporting unit rather than the traditional bio-mechanic machine it is often described as, for a better explanation please refer to Dr Levins website.
Amatsu Soft Tissue therapy uses a range of soft tissue work techniques to realign your physical structure, thus improving the efficiency of your muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. This gives the body space again so joints and the body's functional organs can work efficiently, whilst improving movement. in order to release the inherent wellness that becomes subdued with dis-ease. It looks at the interaction of five factors for health referred to as Godai (Go being the Japanese for five). These five factors: Structure, Nutrition, Energy, Emotion and Environment are inter-dependent and can cause illness in any of the other areas.
Therefore it is not just a physical injury that can cause problems to the body. All too often life's stresses mean that our bodies have to adapt and cope with tensions and strains, leading to poor posture, sluggish digestive systems, aching shoulders and necks. Amatsu Soft Tissue therapy can help to relieve these strains.
Amatsu Soft Tissue therapy practitioners are trained to give aftercare advice to clients, for example:
Amatsu Soft Tissue Therapy sessions are gentle and non-invasive and are suitable for people of any age, from the very young to the very old and for those with limited mobility. For a comprehensive list of the conditions that Amatsu may be able to help with please see: Why Choose Amatsu