Although they both comprise of manipulation of body tissues, “Asian Bodywork Therapy” (ABT) and “Massage Therapy” are different in both philosophies and techniques. “Bodywork” encompasses a vast group of manual manipulations, including Massage Therapy. On the other hand, “Asian Bodywork” refers to techniques derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles and that are specifically designed to balance the flow of energy, or qi for the purpose of restoring or maintaining health.
ABT is one of the four branches of TCM, the other three being Chinese Herbal Therapy, Acupuncture and Medical Qigong. In many cases, licensed practitioners of ABT utilize other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat their patients. According to the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), Asian Bodywork Therapy includes Acupressure, Five Element Shiatsu, Amma, Japanese Shiatsu, Tuina, Medical Qigong and several more. Massage Therapy, also includes Asian techniques like Shiatse and Tuina, as well as modalities such as Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and more.
Both types of therapies have the goal and benefit of increasing circulation, which helps treat various ailments ranging from musculoskeletal pain to anxiety and depression. Along with similarities in purpose, they both have a long history, which has been predominant in Asia. Massage Therapy, however, was first recorded in ancient Indian texts describing Aryurveda, an ancient form of health care which continues to be used today worldwide. ABT, on the other hand, is rooted deeply in China and its philosophies of treating the body as a whole, taking into consideration the physical, mental and emotional factors, emphasize that origin.
Visiting a massage therapist is also unlike visiting an Asian Bodywork Therapist. The latter diagnoses the patient’s root cause of ailment by asking, listening, touching and observing as is taught in TCM principles. After doing so, the ABT practitioner develops a treatment plan which may include other modalities of TCM, including yoga, Chinese Herbal Medicine in addition to various ABT therapies such as Tuina and Acupressure.
Individuals interested in pursuing either Massage Therapy or Asian Bodywork Therapy should first research each complementary therapy in depth. Some schools, such as New York College of Health Professions, teach both massage therapy and specific ABT techniques to give students a professional edge.
Additionally, it is important to find out the educational and licensing requirements in the state in which they wish to practice. Currently, majority of the states, including New York, regulate the education and practice of both therapies.
New York College offers an accredited Bachelors of Professional Studies degree in Advanced Asian Bodywork. During the 10-trimester, 120-credit program, students cover the curriculum for massage therapy including the western and oriental health sciences, Swedish, Asian and medical massage, as well as learn the skills and in-depth assessment and practical study in Advanced Asian Bodywork Techniques such as Tuina and Shiatsu. Graduates of this program are able to sit for New York State Massage Therapy Licensing Exam as well as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certification exam in Asian Bodywork. With its main campus in Syosset, Long Island, NY and 3 locations in New York City, New York College is convenient for any student in the tri-state area.
ABT is one of the four branches of TCM, the other three being Chinese Herbal Therapy, Acupuncture and Medical Qigong. In many cases, licensed practitioners of ABT utilize other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat their patients. According to the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia (AOBTA), Asian Bodywork Therapy includes Acupressure, Five Element Shiatsu, Amma, Japanese Shiatsu, Tuina, Medical Qigong and several more. Massage Therapy, also includes Asian techniques like Shiatse and Tuina, as well as modalities such as Swedish Massage, Reflexology, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and more.
Both types of therapies have the goal and benefit of increasing circulation, which helps treat various ailments ranging from musculoskeletal pain to anxiety and depression. Along with similarities in purpose, they both have a long history, which has been predominant in Asia. Massage Therapy, however, was first recorded in ancient Indian texts describing Aryurveda, an ancient form of health care which continues to be used today worldwide. ABT, on the other hand, is rooted deeply in China and its philosophies of treating the body as a whole, taking into consideration the physical, mental and emotional factors, emphasize that origin.
Visiting a massage therapist is also unlike visiting an Asian Bodywork Therapist. The latter diagnoses the patient’s root cause of ailment by asking, listening, touching and observing as is taught in TCM principles. After doing so, the ABT practitioner develops a treatment plan which may include other modalities of TCM, including yoga, Chinese Herbal Medicine in addition to various ABT therapies such as Tuina and Acupressure.
Individuals interested in pursuing either Massage Therapy or Asian Bodywork Therapy should first research each complementary therapy in depth. Some schools, such as New York College of Health Professions, teach both massage therapy and specific ABT techniques to give students a professional edge.
Additionally, it is important to find out the educational and licensing requirements in the state in which they wish to practice. Currently, majority of the states, including New York, regulate the education and practice of both therapies.
New York College offers an accredited Bachelors of Professional Studies degree in Advanced Asian Bodywork. During the 10-trimester, 120-credit program, students cover the curriculum for massage therapy including the western and oriental health sciences, Swedish, Asian and medical massage, as well as learn the skills and in-depth assessment and practical study in Advanced Asian Bodywork Techniques such as Tuina and Shiatsu. Graduates of this program are able to sit for New York State Massage Therapy Licensing Exam as well as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certification exam in Asian Bodywork. With its main campus in Syosset, Long Island, NY and 3 locations in New York City, New York College is convenient for any student in the tri-state area.
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