Thursday 15 November 2012

Information on Asian Bodywork Therapy

Asian Bodywork Therapy (ABT) is a form of natural treatment through manipulations of the human body. Dating back to ancient period of the legendary Yellow Emperor of China, Asian Bodywork Therapy is part of Oriental Medicine, which encompasses Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, and other natural treatments. Similar to those therapies, Asian Bodywork concentrates on treating the body, mind and spirit, and aids the patient in achieving overall health.
While there are several various forms of Asian Bodywork Therapy, all of them involve some degree of touching. Primarily, the therapist skillfully gathers information through: the review of information provided by the patient, tongue and pulse diagnosis, observation of the patient's signs and symptoms, listening to the patient's complaints, and palpating the body. The therapist will then determine the proper treatment.

In this article, we will discuss three most popular forms of Asian Bodywork:

Acupressure:

This is the application of pressure to specific points in the body (acupuncture points) for the purpose of relieving tension. This further enhances the flow of qi (“chi”) and blood throughout the body.

Five-Element Shiatsu:

By touching, observing, listening, and asking, the therapist determines the disharmony existing in the patient and then chooses the best path of treatment. A patient can expect to be asked about their lifestyle, as well as psychological issues, which of Asian Bodywork therapists consider important information to help them arrive at the correct diagnosis. The therapist will then perform various treatments such as touching, massage and even use herbs to balance the patient’s body, mind and spirit.

Tui Na:

This method combines manipulation of soft tissues, applying pressure at acupuncture points and realigning the spine and other structures to treat musculoskeletal and internal conditions.

Although Asian Bodywork Therapy has been around for over 5,000 years, it is not until 1996 that the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) developed the first certification program in Asian Bodywork Therapy. Today, it is a rapidly growing field fueled by the public’s interest in natural, complementary treatments. For individuals who are looking to pursue Asian Bodywork as a career, it is important to get an education that exceeds standards.

New York College of Health Professions is an exemplary school that is one of very few schools that offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Advanced Asian Bodywork. During the 120-credit, 10-trimester program, students benefit from 60 credits completing their Associates of Occupational Studies (AOS) including basic massage therapy skills as well as 60 degrees of in-depth assessment and practical study in Advanced Asian Bodywork Techniques such as Tui Na and Shiatsu.

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