Anma (Japanese:按摩) is a practice of traditional Japanesemassage; the word also refers to practitioners of that art. Modernshiatsu is largely derived fromanma.
Anma is thought to be of Chinese origin, developing fromTui Na.Tui Na techniques arrived in Japan during theNara period (710–793 CE), along with other techniques oftraditional Chinese medicine, and were practiced in government-sponsored hospitals.Anma as a unique system was founded in 1320 by Akashi Kan Ichi.[1][2]
Anma was popularised in the seventeenth century by acupuncturistSugiyama Waichi, and around the same time the first books on the subject, including Fujibayashi Ryōhaku's (藤林良伯)Anma Tebiki (按摩手引 "Manual of Anma"), appeared.[3] The Fujibayashi school is the foundation of modern anma.[4]Anma (masseurs) were often nomadic, earning their keep in mobile massage capacities, and paying commissions to their referrers. In the nineteenth century, the image ofanma suffered somewhat from an association with theukiyo lifestyle of urban Japan, and it was subsequently less well-regarded as a therapy.[5]
During theMeiji period, the appearance of Western medicine reducedanma's prominence still further. Many of its techniques were subsumed into shiatsu andWestern massage practices, although research intoanma for medical purposes continues at Tokyo Kyoiku University.[3]Anma is still practiced independently of shiatsu in Japan, with practitioners being certified by the health board of their local prefecture.[6]
Since Sugiyama's time,anma has been strongly associated with the blind.[7] Sugiyama, blind himself, established a number of medical schools for the blind which taught this practice. During theTokugawa period, edicts were passed which made the practice ofanma solely the preserve of the blind – sighted people were prohibited from practicing the art.[1] As a result, the "blindanma" has become a popular trope in Japanese culture.[8] This has continued into the modern era, with a large proportion of the Japanese blind community continuing to work in the profession.[9]
During theoccupation of Japan by the Allies afterWorld War II, the practice ofanma was banned (along with other aspects of traditional Japanese culture) byGeneral MacArthur. The ban prevented a large proportion of Japan's blind community from earning a living. Writer and advocate for blind rightsHelen Keller, on being made aware of the prohibition, interceded with the United States government; at her urging, the ban was rescinded.[10]
In recent years the fictional character ofZatoichi, the blind swordsman, has brought the concept of the "blindanma" into the public eye in the West.[11] Blindanma are also commonly used to comedic effect inJapanese cinema.
Anma practices uses common massage techniques such as kneading, rubbing, tapping and shaking. These activities are directed at specificvital points andmeridians on the body.[3] The seven traditional techniques are: pressing/stroking, grasping/kneading, strengthening, compressing, vibrating, tapping and "hand music". In addition, methods of abdominal palpitation (按腹anpuku), developed by Shinsai Ota in the seventeenth century, are used.[12][13] It is considered quite a vigorous form of massage, with gripping movements intended to increase blood flow to the muscles and deep tissues, and forcefulacupressure techniques applied with the knuckles. The treatment is usually performed through the clothing, rather than directly on the skin.[14]
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