What is Amatsu?
Originating from Japan and rooted in Ancient Martial Arts traditions, Amatsu is a unique, natural movement treatment using therapeutic techniques dating back over 2,000 years. It’s principles taught today derive from, and are practiced by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi – (Japanese Osteopath, Sekotsu therapist, Acupuncturist, inscribed on the wall of honour at London’s Royal Society of Medicine and former Grandmaster of the Bujinkan).
It is a whole body, hands-on complementary physical therapy that works with the body’s soft tissue (e.g. muscles, ligaments, fascia, tendons and organs) to help to re-balance other key mechanical and energetic structures (e.g. the spine, bones, joints, cranium and meridian circuits).
Through assessment techniques including muscle testing, orthopaedic tests and observations which inform an individual treatment plan, Amatsu can address the client’s specific issues through soft touch tissue therapy which is gentle and suitable for all ages. Assessment can identify areas of misalignment within the body through specific techniques that have been handed down over thousands of years in Japanese culture.
Amatsu is a gentle, effective pain relief treatment that can restore balance, health and wellbeing to the body and mind.
Amatsu can address a wide range of physical conditions, emotional issues, issues of general ill health including, yet not limited to;
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Carpel tunnel syndrome
- Frozen shoulder
- Groin strain
- Headaches and migraines
- IBS and other digestive problems
- Jaw pain
- Knee, foot and ankle problems
- Mobility problems
- Muscular spasms
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Pelvic pain
- Postural problems
- Sacroiliac dysfunction
- Sciatica
- Sports injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Tennis and golfers elbow
- Whiplash
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I expect from my first treatment?
You will be asked to complete a Client Consent Form and Health questionnaire.
Assessments techniques including muscle testing, observation, palpation and orthopaedic tests combined with your health questionnaire, will inform your individual treatment plan.
Loose, comfortable clothing (leggings/track suit) is advised to facilitate ease of mobilization throughout the assessment and treatment session. You will be asked to remove your shoes.
- What does an Amatsu treatment feel like?
An Amatsu treatment can include Anma (massage), limb mobilization and tension release throughout the body. Techniques applied are gentle and work with your body to bring about a healthy change.
- How will I feel after my treatment?
Post treatment reports range from feelings of total relaxation to an increase in energy. These can be immediate, or develop over days following your treatment. Sensations of general well-being are frequently reported after treatment.
- How many treatments will I need?
Frequency of treatments will depend on your specific needs, and I will discuss that with you on your visit.
- Will you offer post-treatment advice?
I will review your treatment before you leave, and offer recommendations based on your individual case. I do advise clients to stay well hydrated post treatment, and to take a short walk (20-30 mts) after treatment to allow the body adjustment time to changes taken place.
- Are there any reasons why I should not have an Amatsu treatment?
There are conditions that are not appropriate for certain techniques. If you have any queries around certain conditions, please contact me and I can advise you further. Your Health questionnaire will give me a clear picture of how I can proceed, and any medications being taken should be disclosed at the time of completing this questionnaire.
- How long will a treatment last?
An Amatsu treatment will last for 50-60 minutes