Relieving Pain, Enhanced MobilityI and Improved Posture with AnMo - Shiatsu
AnMo is the original Chinese Bodywork therapy that has been used for at least 2,500 years, that’s as far as known written records go back. The theoretical basis for Chinese Medicine was codified in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic), but there are texts published prior to this that illustrate the evolution of Chinese Medicine. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic was produced in two parts; the second part and less well known is called the Ling Shu and it is the physiological structures (the Jing Jin) outlined in that book that forms the theoretical basis for my style of AnMo. The Jing Jin network can be compared to what is recognised in modern science as the Myofascial Network. AnMo’s focus on the body’s mechanical structures and nervous system is similar to early Shiatsu schools such as Namikoshi Shiatsu. Less weight is given to the complex energetic models of what is now known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and more recent schools of Shiatsu such as Zen Shiatsu.
AnMo is a sophisticated system of holistic bodywork, it is designed to stretch and relax tissue and aid the balanced circulation of blood and fluids around the body. AnMo is the forerunner of Japanese Shiatsu and Thai Massage, predating both by many centuries.
The name AnMo simply describes the basic techniques of this profound healing art: “An“ press and “Mo“ means “to circle“ (rub), Through the application of massage, manipulation and finger pressure techniques. AnMo seeks to balance bodily functions and through this establish a more harmonious body, enabling the body to naturally heal itself. For clarification: I sometimes use the term AnMo - Shiatsu, this is only for convenience because more people are familiar with Shiatsu. While the methods (AnMo and Shiatsu) are historically linked they are, depending upon school, very similar.
AnMo features a range of techniques including the use of a variety of palm, finger, thumb and knuckle techniques to compress the soft tissue (muscles and tendons) of the body and mobilisation techniques using passive stretching to realign the musculoskeletal and ligamentous relationships.
AnMo combined with Dao Yin makes a remarkably powerful therapy that is effective in treating far more than just musculoskeletal ailments (stiffness and pain). It is also a great way of improving general flexibility, range of movement and posture. This is not only great for athletes of all types but those of us less active. Boosting energy, creating ease of movement and relaxing the mind, AnMo is a unique and powerful holistic therapy. You can read more about Dao Yin on my other site.
AnMo: A Treatment, what’s involved?
AnMo is a full body treatment that typically takes between an hour to an hour and a half, depending upon the amount of work required. The first session takes a little longer to allow for a short initial assessment. It will usually be carried out on a futon, through thin clothing as oils are not often used. A traditional sequence would start with a full general treatment to the back and front of the body, following that specific work would be delivered to areas of dysfunction that were discovered during the initial full body treatment.
You should avoid eating a large meal in the three hours prior to a treatment and alcohol is best avoided for 24 hours before a session, while drinking plenty of water to ensure hydration before and after a session is encouraged. N.B. Athletes / dancers are advised not to book a session less than 24 hours prior to an event / performance. Treatments can if necessary be carried out on a massage table. The table is easier for those less agile or struggling with leg injuries, working on a mat facilitates a wider range of passive stretching work.
AnMo sessions are charged as follows:
A 60 minute AnMo session (£50).
A 100 minute AnMo session (£80).
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