Jin Shin Do® combines gentle yet deep finger pressure on acupoints with simple body focusing techniques to help release physical and emotional tension. It promotes a pleasurable trance state during which the recipients can get in touch with their body and access feelings or emotions related to their physical condition. This body-mind approach is a unique synthesis of a traditional Japanese acupressure technique, classical Chinese acupuncture theory, Taoist philosophy, breathing methods, and Reichian segmental theory. Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® was developed by Iona Marsaa Teeguarden, Psychotherapist.

Nuad Bo Rarn is the traditional Thai medical bodywork form. Thai bodywork is based upon an integration of Indian Buddhist medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thai bodywork utilizes hand techniques and a unique approach to passive movement and stretching in order to open up the veins or energy passages and release chronic tension from the body. Nuad Bo Rarn incorporates a spiritual dimension in its gentle and focused approach to ABT.

Shiatsu became widely recognized in Japan as a therapeutic approach to manual therapy.  “Shiatsu” is a Japanese word which literally translates as “finger pressure.”  Shiatsu continues to evolve with various approaches to incorporating traditional Japanese manual therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and western anatomy and physiology.

Presently, the AOBTA® acknowledges six specific Forms of shiatsu, which all meet the national education requirements for the AOBTA®’s  practitioner level in Asian Bodywork Therapy. In Minnesota four of these forms are practiced. These are:  Japanese Shiatsu, Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu, Shiatsu-Anma and Zen Shiatsu.  Other forms of shiatsu may be recognized by the AOBTA® in the future.

Shiatsu literally means finger (Shi) pressure (Atsu) and although Shiatsu is primarily pressure, usually applied with the thumbs along the meridian lines, extensive soft tissue manipulation and both active and passive exercise and stretching may be part of the treatments. Extensive use of cutaneovisceral reflexes in the abdomen and on the back are also characteristics of Shiatsu. The emphasis of Shiatsu is the treatment of the whole meridian; however, effective points are also used. The therapist assesses the condition of the patient's body as treatment progresses. Therapy and diagnosis are one.

Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu utilizes Japanese Shiatsu techniques, Chinese Medicine theory and Western methods of soft tissue manipulation. Dietary and herbal methods are also included to create a comprehensive integrated treatment method.

Shiatsu Anma Therapy utilizes a unique blending of two of the most popular Asian bodywork forms practiced in Japan. Dr. Kaneko introduces traditional Anma Therapy® based on the energetic systems of Traditional Chinese Medicine in long form and contemporary pressure therapy which is based on neuro-musculoskeletal system in short form. Ampuku, abdominal bodywork therapy, is another foundation in his school.

Zen Shiatsu is characterized by the theory of Kyo-Jitsu, its physical and psychological manifestations, and its application to abdominal (Hara) diagnosis. Zen Shiatsu theory is based on an extended meridian system that includes, as well as expands, the location of the traditional acupuncture meridians. The focus of a Zen Shiatsu session is on the use of meridian lines rather than on specific points. In addition, Zen Shiatsu does not adhere to a fixed sequence or set of methods that are applied to all similar client needs. It utilizes appropriate methods for the unique pattern of each individual. Zen Shiatsu was developed by Shizuto Masunaga.