Types of Asian Massage and Bodywork Therapies

The nebulous and imprecise term Asian massage can refer to any touch-based therapy that developed out of the theories of Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and other Asian systems of medicine. The types of Asian massage are varied and often operate on principles different from most Western types of massage.

Asian bodywork is typically based on balancing the flow of energy (chi, qi, or prana) through the body. Energy flows on pathways called meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine, nadis in Indian Ayurvedic Medicine, or sen lines in Thai medicine.

Unlike many Western types of massage done on bare skin, most Asian bodywork is done with you fully clothed.

Types of Asian Massage and Bodywork

I have articles on this site about the following types of Asian massage:

Acupressure balances your body's energy, releases tension, and increases circulation by applying pressure to specific acupoints (the same ones used in acupuncture). Acupressure originally developed as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Today, different types of acupressure are available... Read more at Acupressure Massage.

Anma, or amma massage therapy, is traditional Japanese massage. Although the technique has ancient roots in Nepal, Tibet, and western China, Japanese anma developed independently and is significantly different from modern-day Chinese and Korean massage of the same name... Read more at Amma Massage Therapy.

Ayurvedic Massage is part of India's ayurveda tradition that aims to harmonize the  rhythms of your body with nature... Read What is Ayurvedic Massage to learn about abhyanga and marma point therapy or Indian Head Massage for information about that specialized technique.

Chi Nei Tsang is of Taoist Chinese origin and means "working the energy of the internal organs." Practitioners are trained in Chi Kung, and they mostly massage your abdomen with deep, soft, and gentle touches for the purpose of training your internal organs to work more efficiently... Read more at Chi Nei Tsang.

Jin Shin Jyutsu originated in Japan. This gentle technique involves applying the hands or fingers to two or more points on the body at the same time, based on established procedures that address particular circulation pathways. This system uses the concept of 52 safety energy locks (SELs) along 12 energy pathways... Read more at Jin Shin Jyutsu.

Reiki is a Japanese healing energy technique that channels energy through the hands. The many styles of reiki include Usui style, Five Element Seichem, Imara Reiki... Read more at What is Reiki Massage? For more about energy healing, see Different Types of Energy Healing.

Shiatsu developed in Japan, based partly on the principles of acupressure, and comes in many styles, including Japanese shiatsu, five element shiatsu, zen shiatsu... Read more at Shiatsu Massage Therapy. Also see Shiatsu Self Massage. 

Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad Bo Rarn) uses a combination of stretches, yoga-like poses, pressure along the body’s energy lines, and breathing to open up energy passages and release chronic tension. Traditionally, Thai Massage is done on a mat on the floor with you fully clothed... Read more at Benefits of Thai Massage.

Tui Na Massage is a deeply penetrating type of Chinese massage. The technique consists of smooth gliding and rolling movements using the hands and arms. The aim is to open stagnant meridian channels and free blocked energy to relieve pain and let the body heal itself... Read more at What is Tui Na Massage?

Western-developed or adapted techniques based on Asian theories: Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy and Cupping Massage.

Less commonly available in the West, and not covered on this site, are Balinese massage and Korean massage.

Suggested Books

Acupressure's Potent Points: A Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments

Ayurvedic Massage: Traditional Indian Techniques for Balancing Body and Mind

Beyond Shiatsu: Ohashi's Bodywork Method

Chi Nei Tsang: Chi Massage for the Vital Organs

Thai Massage: Natural Therapy for Flexibility, Relaxation and Energy Balance

Chinese Tui Na Massage: The Essential Guide to Treating Injuries, Improving Health & Balancing Qi

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