2023 and 2024 Chi Nei Tsang Training Schedule
These dates are for the remaining 3 day classes in 2023
September 20-22 and 26-28. CNT levels 1 and 2. Santa Fe, NM Registration is open
October 20-22 Ampuku; CNT level 2. Bellingham, WA
contact White Cloud Institute to register
November 2-4. CNT level 1. Tucson, AZ
contact ASISmassage.edu to register for November class
21 CE for all 3 day classes with NCBTMB.
2024 Chi Nei Tsang Training Schedule
February 16-18 CNT 2 Tucson, AZ at ASIS (take level 1 in November)
February 23-25 CNT 2 Mesa, AZ at ASIS
March 29-31 CNT 1 Fairhaven, WA at the Chrysalis Inn
April 7-10 CNT level 1 Retreat. Eastover Estate. Lenox, Mass
April 13-16 CNT level 2 Retreat. Eastover Estate. Lenox, Mass
June 2-6 CNT level 2 Retreat. Rainbow Lodge, North Bend, Wa
Retreats are 4 day classes (9-8pm) and you receive 32 CE
3 day classes (9-5) receive 21 CE
Join us in Santa Fe, New Mexico
September 20-22
CNT level 1
September 26-28
CNT level 2
$475 per class
or $850 for both.
CNT 2 Course info
is at the bottom of this page
Chi Nei Tsang is a wholistic approach to massage therapy with roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Learn basic hands-on techniques to restore health and vitality to the internal organs.
WATCH A CHI NEI TSANG INTRO ON YOUTUBE. CARYN DIEL CHANNEL
This course will cover the history and fundamental principles of Chi Nei Tsang, beginning anatomy & physiology of the internal organs, Taoist meditations and breathing exercises, qigong to increase the flow of chi through your body, and several treatment protocol. You will have a firm foundation in this ancient healing tradition. Techniques are easily incorporated into your existing massage sessions. Benefits all ages, including children.
Benefits of Chi Nei Tsang:
Improved energy and sleep
Improved physical and emotional digestion
Regulation of elimination
Relief from abdominal pain
Improved metabolism for vibrant health
Self Empowerment over your sense of well being
You will learn:
*To identify the location and function of the internal organs
*Several treatment protocols, including a full body detoxifying routine
*Manual and Energetic techniques to improve digestion and alleviate abdominal pain
*Opening the diaphragm for better breathing
*Introduction to the five elements theory
*Qigong and meditation to boost your energy level and harmonize organs
Please bring a massage table, sheets, bolster. No oil is used in this class.
$475 9-5 daily
21 CE from NCBTMB Live class
19.5 PDA from NCCAOM
Beginners Welcome!
Registration form is on the "classes" page.
You may use PayPal to pay for class. address is: whitecloudnm@aol.com.
or call 505 670-3538 to use a credit card. Venmo: @Caryn-Diel
Use the donate button to register via PayPal
Instructor: Caryn Boyd Diel has been teaching this class since 2000. She has been a certified instructor with NCBTMB since 2000, joined AMTA in 1995 and is a member of WSMTA. In 2014 she was recognized as a Senior Instructor of the Universal Healing Tao in Switzerland by Master Mantak Chia. She enjoys introducing students to this powerful healing modality which is anchored by Traditional Chinese Medicine and follows the ancient Daoist beliefs in the necessity of a healthy body. Caryn has been teaching CNT for 23 years. Her book, "The Mountain Path" explains the history of this healing art and gives students guidance on how to offer a Chi Nei Tsang session.
*See article at the bottom of this page about the history of Abdominal Massage from China
CNT level 2 classes
Chi Nei Tsang level 2
Ampuku; Meridian Therapy
September 26-28, 2023. Santa Fe, NM
Take both CNT 1 and 2 in Santa Fe and receive a $100 discount
$475 for each class, or $850 for both. Level 1 is a pre requisite
October 20-22, 2023 Bellingham, WA
$475 tuition. 21 CE from NCBTMB
Use the "donation" button here to register for Santa Fe and Bellingham classes
February 16-18 and 23-25, 2024 Tucson and Mesa, Arizona
Tuition $550 Contact ASIS to register
3 day classes are 9-5pm daily
CNT 2 course overview
In CNT level 2 we will Review and expand on the CNT 1 curriculum.
Learn about the history and development of Chi Nei Tsang (Anmo) and Ampuku as a healing modality and its migration through in Asia, from China to Japan.
Ampuku, sometimes referred to as Abdominal Acupressure is an ancient practice from Japan that preceeded Shiatsu.
Explore the breathing process, diaphragm, internal patterns of tension and chi flow, and the resulting mis-alignments of the posture.
Dive into the Meridians, including the 8 extraordinary meridians which affect our constitution.
Understand how posture affects organ health and learn to access and identify where fascial stress is inhibiting movement in the body.
Learn treatments to purge stagnant energy from the body by “chasing the winds” through the meridians of the arms, legs, head and chest.
We will look at the ancient roots of "Ampuku" as is was practiced hundreds of years ago and use similar techniques and hand positions and learn an entire treatment for the head, back, legs and feet.
Enjoy the benefits of Bone Breathing Qigong to prevent osteoporosis and Swimming Dragon for the spine.
We will be using herbal poultices in our treatments, and discussing the actions of Asian and local herbs.
Bring the modern day problem of carpal tunnel into line with a treatment adapted from Asian body therapies.
Understand how to reposition the Uterus, Bladder and Prostate for better health and chi flow.
Learn a psoas release technique and advanced techniques.
Experience Tao Yin stretches and guided movement awareness for releasing pelvic tensions that cause pain.
Introduction to sending external chi healing using sound and color ("cosmic healing")
We will practice several CNT 2 treatment protocol for chasing the winds adapted to the needs of the client and introduce tuning forks
Learn how the sacred geometry of the I Ching Bagua has been used historically in healing sessions.
Pre requisite is CNT level 1
to register email: whitecloudnm@aol.com
Pay Pal or venmo @Caryn-Diel
or call 505 670-3538 to use a credit card.
Instructor Caryn Boyd Diel was recognized as a Senior Instructor of the Universal Healing Tao in 2014 by Master Mantak Chia in Switzerland. She has thoroughly studied and developed the Level 2 CNT materials to bring this powerful advanced course to students.
She is currently writing the Ampuku; CNT level 2 instruction manual for students which will be published in 2023.
*See article below on this page about the history of Anma/Ampuku
Retreats Chi Nei Tsang Retreats in 2024
April 7-10 Eastover Estate, Lenox Mass
level 1
April 13-16 Eastover Estate, Lenox, Mass
level 2
June 2-6 Rainbow Lodge, North Bend, Wa
level 2
Chi Nei Tsang level 1 Retreat at Eastover Estate and Eco Village
Lenox, Massachusetts
April 7-10, 2024
Practitioners in the healing arts know the value of being on Retreat. Join us for a few days of profound relaxation and drop deeper into the mysteries of healing
During this retreat at Eastover we will be offering a complete course in Chi Nei Tsang Fundamentals along with many other Daoist teachings which support practitioners and clients.
You will learn an ancient massage modality based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and enjoy daily qigong practice and meditations to nourish your individual chi. These teachings will restore your health and inner peace and allow you to approach a healing session with clients in a relaxed manner.
Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) is not only a body therapy technique, but a profound healing practice involving training in energy cultivation (qigong) and alchemical Daoist meditations to heal the body, mind and spirit.
Our days will begin at 9am with Qigong outside in the pristine meadows of Eastover Estate. Back in the classroom we will move consciously through each of the organ systems, learning how to access the knowledge of the body with our hearts and our hands.
We will end the day with Tao Yin; Taoist yoga, specifically designed to open the meridians through stretching and breath work promoting deep and restful sleep. (Bring your favorite yoga mat and meditation cushion for evening practice).
Benefits for students and clients:
Improved energy (chi flow) and sleep
Improved physical and emotional digestion
Regulation of elimination
Relief from abdominal pain
Improved metabolism which supports vibrant health
Self Empowerment over your sense of well being
More…
You will learn:
To identify the location and function of the internal organs Palpation techniques for the abdomen Several treatment protocols, including a full body detoxifying routine Ability to adjust treatments for various conditions, ages and body types
Manual and Energetic techniques to improve digestion and alleviate abdominal pain
How to open diaphragm for better breathing
Introduction to the five elements theory How to incorporate herbal poultices into your treatments
Qigong and meditation to boost your energy level and harmonize organs
Opening the microcosmic orbit Bone Breathing Qigong 6 Healing Sounds Meditation
Tao Yin to open the Meridians
Tuition: $800 payable to White Cloud Institute. 35 CEUs for Massage Therapy from NCBTMB. Class hours are 9am to 8pm daily with 90 minute meal breaks.
To Register contact White Cloud Institute at whitecloudnm@aol.com, or call 505 670-3538. Payments can be made via PayPal, credit card over the phone, or Venmo. Tuition is due in full 30 days prior to the Retreat.
Registration forms are on the WhiteCloudInstitute.info website. Instructor: Caryn Boyd Diel, founder of White Cloud Institute. Author of “The Mountain Path, Taoist Healing with Chi Nei Tsang”.
Meals and Housing are provided by Eastover Estate. Contact Eastover.com to arrange for your housing option. Daily costs for 3 meals and room are approximately $163-$241 depending on your choice of Room. Reservations and payment for meals and housing are made to Eastover.
THE FIRST 4 PEOPLE TO REGISTER (FULL TUITION) WILL RECEIVE A FREE CHI NEI TSANG DVD WITH 3 HOURS OF CNT AND MEDITATION INSTRUCTION
Plan to arrive on April 6th. Our first meal will be dinner on April 6. Class ends April 10 in the evening, with a last meal is Breakfast on April 11
Chi Nei Tsang level 2 - Ampuku Retreats
Eastover Estate and Eco Village
Lenox, Massachusetts
April 13-16, 2024
Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center
North Bend, Washington
June 2-6, 2024
Eastover Retreat info:
In Chi Nei Tsang level 2 - Ampuku we will Review and expand on the CNT 1 curriculum
Learn about the history and development of Chi Nei Tsang (Anmo) and Ampuku as a healing modality and its migration through Asia, from China to Japan.
Ampuku, sometimes referred to as Abdominal Acupressure is an ancient practice from Japan; descended from Anmo (CNT) that gave rise to the development of Shiatsu.
In this Retreat you will further your CNT 1 practice and dive deeply into the traditional uses of this ancient healing modality.
Our days will begin at 9am with Qigong outside in the pristine meadows of Eastover Estate. Back in the classroom we will move consciously through this new curriculum, learning how to access the knowledge of the body with our hearts and our hands.
We will end the day with Tao Yin; Taoist yoga, specifically designed to open the meridians through stretching and breath work promoting deep and restful sleep. (Bring your favorite yoga mat and meditation cushion for evening practice).
The Curriculum includes:
What is Ampuku?
We will look at the ancient roots of "Ampuku" as is was practiced hundreds of years ago and use similar techniques and hand positions.
You will Learn:
What are the Winds and the Meridian system?
Learn to use your hands to scan the winds.
How do our bodies experience and express Winds.
Discover what Ampuku shows us about the Meridians and Acupressure points on the abdomen.
The language of the Points/portals. Going the next step with the 8 wind gates
Explore the relationship between the Energetic and Physical Structure of the body.
Learn to affect the energetic/chi body via the Meridians, using your hands and tuning forks.
Techniques for Massaging and relaxing the body before & after treatments to guide chi through the meridians, including Source Points.
Dive into the Meridians, including the 8 extraordinary meridians which affect our constitution.
Explore the breathing process, diaphragm, internal patterns of tension and chi flow, and the resulting mis-alignments of the posture.
Understand how posture affects organ health and learn to access and identify where fascial stress is inhibiting movement in the body.
Learn a focused one hour Pelvic Health treatment.
Understand how to reposition the Uterus, Bladder and Prostate for better health and chi flow.
Learn a psoas release technique and advanced techniques including passive stretches.
Learn treatments to purge stagnant energy from the body by “chasing the winds” through the meridians of the arms, legs, head and chest.
Enjoy the benefits of Bone Breathing Qigong to prevent osteoporosis and Swimming Dragon for the spine.
Experience Tao Yin stretches and guided movement awareness for releasing pelvic tensions that cause pain.
Introduction to sending external chi healing using sound and color ("cosmic healing")
We will practice several CNT 2 treatment protocol for chasing the winds adapted to the needs of the client and introduce tuning forks
You will learn an entire ancient treatment of Ampuku for the back, arms, head, legs and feet.
Learn how the sacred geometry of the I Ching Bagua has been used historically in healing sessions.
Treating the entire body from the Navel or Hara.
Pre requisite is a CNT level 1 retreat or 3 day class
Tuition: $800. 32 CEU from NCBTMB. Tuition is paid to White Cloud Institute. Tuition must be paid in full one month prior to the Retreat. To register email: whitecloudnm@aol.com. or call 505 670-3538 to use a credit card. Pay Pal or venmo @Caryn-Diel
Registration forms are on the WhiteCloudInstitute.info website.
Instructor: Caryn Boyd Diel, founder of White Cloud Institute. Author of “The Mountain Path, Taoist Healing with Chi Nei Tsang”. Caryn was recognized as a Senior Instructor of the Universal Healing Tao in 2014 by Master Mantak Chia in Switzerland. She has thoroughly studied and developed the Level 2 CNT materials to bring this powerful advanced course to students. She is currently writing the Ampuku; CNT level 2 instruction manual for students which will be published in 2023.
Meals and Housing are provided by Eastover Estate. Contact Eastover.com to arrange for your housing option. Daily costs for 3 meals and room are approximately $163-$241 depending on your choice of Room. Reservations and payment for meals and housing are made to Eastover.
Plan to arrive on April 12
June 2-6, 2024
CNT Level 2 Retreat
Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center
North Bend, Washington
In Chi Nei Tsang level 2 - Ampuku we will Review and expand on the CNT 1 curriculum
Learn about the history and development of Chi Nei Tsang (Anmo) and Ampuku as a healing modality and its migration through Asia, from China to Japan.
Ampuku, sometimes referred to as Abdominal Acupressure is an ancient practice from Japan; descended from Anmo (CNT) that gave rise to the development of Shiatsu.
In this Retreat you will further your CNT 1 practice and dive deeply into the traditional uses of this ancient healing modality.
Our days will begin at 9am with Qigong outside in the tall trees of the Pacific Northwest. Back in the classroom we will move consciously through this new curriculum, learning how to access the knowledge of the body with our hearts and our hands.
We will end the day with Tao Yin; Taoist yoga, specifically designed to open the meridians through stretching and breath work promoting deep and restful sleep. (Bring your favorite yoga mat and meditation cushion for evening practice). On our last evening we will have a group bonfire (weather permitting)
The Curriculum includes:
What is Ampuku?
We will look at the ancient roots of "Ampuku" as is was practiced hundreds of years ago and use similar techniques and hand positions.
You will Learn:
What are the Winds and the Meridian system?
Learn to use your hands to scan the winds.
How do our bodies experience and express Winds.
Discover what Ampuku shows us about the Meridians and Acupressure points on the abdomen.
The language of the Points/portals. Going the next step with the 8 wind gates
Explore the relationship between the Energetic and Physical Structure of the body.
Learn to affect the energetic/chi body via the Meridians, using your hands and tuning forks.
Techniques for Massaging and relaxing the body before & after treatments to guide chi through the meridians, including Source Points.
Dive into the Meridians, including the 8 extraordinary meridians which affect our constitution.
Explore the breathing process, diaphragm, internal patterns of tension and chi flow, and the resulting mis-alignments of the posture.
Understand how posture affects organ health and learn to access and identify where fascial stress is inhibiting movement in the body.
Learn a focused one hour Pelvic Health treatment.
Understand how to reposition the Uterus, Bladder and Prostate for better health and chi flow.
Learn a psoas release technique and advanced techniques including passive stretches.
Learn treatments to purge stagnant energy from the body by “chasing the winds” through the meridians of the arms, legs, head and chest.
Enjoy the benefits of Bone Breathing Qigong to prevent osteoporosis and Swimming Dragon for the spine.
Experience Tao Yin stretches and guided movement awareness for releasing pelvic tensions that cause pain.
Introduction to sending external chi healing using sound and color ("cosmic healing")
We will practice several CNT 2 treatment protocol for chasing the winds adapted to the needs of the client and introduce tuning forks
You will learn an entire ancient treatment of Ampuku for the back, arms, head, legs and feet.
Learn how the sacred geometry of the I Ching Bagua has been used historically in healing sessions.
Treating the entire body from the Navel or Hara.
Pre requisite is a CNT level 1 retreat or 3 day class
Tuition: $1,350 double room. $1,450 single room. Tuition includes 3 meals a day, including dinner when you arrive. Please arrive on June 2 for dinner. We will leave on June 7 after breakfast. The Retreat center will take into account your food preferences and provide a refrigerator and microwave for retreatants to use if they desire. When you register you will be assigned a room, and your food requirements will be noted. Rainbow lodge is a dedicated retreat center, only our group will be on site during the retreat. https://www.rainbowlodge.org/ Check out the beautiful setting and the surrounding trails at Rainbow Lodge. North Bend is a great place to explore if you arrive a day early. Also, visit Snoqualmie Falls.
32 CEU from NCBTMB. Tuition is paid to White Cloud Institute. Tuition must be paid in full one month prior to the Retreat. To register email: whitecloudnm@aol.com. or call 505 670-3538 to use a credit card. Pay Pal or venmo @Caryn-Diel
Registration forms are on the WhiteCloudInstitute.info website.
Instructor: Caryn Boyd Diel, founder of White Cloud Institute. Author of “The Mountain Path, Taoist Healing with Chi Nei Tsang”. Caryn was recognized as a Senior Instructor of the Universal Healing Tao in 2014 by Master Mantak Chia in Switzerland. She has thoroughly studied and developed the Level 2 CNT materials to bring this powerful advanced course to students. She is currently writing the Ampuku; CNT level 2 instruction manual for students which will be published in 2023.
Chi Nei Tsang level 2
Ampuku; Meridian Therapy
September 26-28, 2023. Santa Fe, NM
Take both CNT 1 and 2 in Santa Fe and receive a $100 discount
October 20-22, 2023 Bellingham, WA
$475 tuition. 21 CE from NCBTMB and 19.5 PDA from NCCAOM
Review and expand on the CNT 1 curriculum. Learn about the history and development of Chi Nei Tsang and Ampuku as a healing modality and its migration through in Asia. Ampuku, sometimes referred to as Abdominal Acupressure is an ancient practice from Japan that preceeded Shiatsu.
Explore the breathing process, diaphragm, internal patterns of tension and chi flow, and the resulting mis-alignments of the posture.
Understand how posture affects organ health and learn to access and identify where fascial stress is inhibiting movement in the body.
Learn treatments to purge stagnant energy from the body by “chasing the winds” through the meridians of the arms, legs, head and chest.
We will look at the ancient roots of "Ampuku" as is was practiced hundreds of years ago and use similar techniques and hand positions
Enjoy the benefits of Bone Breathing Qigong to prevent osteoporosis and Swimming Dragon for the spine.
We will be using herbal poultices in our treatments, and discussing the actions of Asian and local herbs.
Bring the modern day problem of carpal tunnel into line with a treatment adapted from Asian body therapies.
Understand how to reposition the Uterus, Bladder and Prostate for better health and chi flow.
Learn a psoas release technique and advanced techniques.
Tao Yin stretches and guided movement awareness for releasing pelvic tensions that cause pain.
Introduction to sending external chi healing using sound and color ("cosmic healing")
We will practice several CNT 2 treatment protocol for chasing the winds adapted to the needs of the client.
Learn how the sacred geometry of the I Ching Bagua has been used historically in healing sessions.
Pre requisite is CNT level 1
to register email: whitecloudnm@aol.com
Pay Pal button below. or venmo @Caryn-Diel
or call 505 670-3538 to use a credit card.
Instructor Caryn Boyd Diel was recognized as a Senior Instructor of the Universal Healing Tao in 2014 by Master Mantak Chia in Switzerland. She has thoroughly studied and developed the Level 2 CNT materials to bring this powerful advanced course to students.
She is currently writing the Ampuku; CNT level 2 instruction manual for students which will be published in 2023.
*See article below on this page about the history of Anma/Ampuku
Learn new Qigong practices to share with your clients and to enhance your own cultivation practice..
Join me in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment
Join me in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment
Chi Nei Tsang Level 1 September 20-22, 2023
Santa Fe, New Mexico
21 CE from NCBTMB
19.5 PDA from NCCAOM
During this level 1 class we will be offering a complete course in Chi Nei Tsang Fundamentals along with many other Taoist teachings.
Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) is not only a body therapy technique, but a lineage practice involving training in energy cultivation (qigong) and alchemical Taoist meditations to heal the body, mind and spirit.
Our days will begin with Qigong to cultivate the chi in practitioners. In the classroom each day, we will move consciously through each of the organ systems, learning how to access the knowledge of the body with our hearts and our hands.
Benefits of Chi Nei Tsang:
Improved energy and sleep
Improved physical and emotional digestion
Regulation of elimination
Relief from abdominal pain
Boost your metabolism to a state of vibrant health
Achieve Self Empowerment over your sense of well being
You will learn:
To identify the location and function of the internal organs
Several treatment protocols, including a full body detoxifying routine
Manual and Energetic techniques to improve digestion and alleviate abdominal pain
Opening the diaphragm for better breathing
Introduction to the five elements theory
Qigong and meditation to boost your energy level and harmonize organs
6 Healing Sounds Meditation
Tao Yin to open the Meridians
Tuition: $475
Location: Ft. Marcy in Santa Fe, NM
Class hours are 9-5pm daily
**Ask the registration desk about the "Caryn Diel Group Room Discounts' at Ft. Marcy
Tell them that you are part of the class
For room reservations at Ft. Marcy call 505 988-2800
September 20-22, 2023
Santa Fe, New Mexico
21 CE from NCBTMB
19.5 PDA from NCCAOM
During this level 1 class we will be offering a complete course in Chi Nei Tsang Fundamentals along with many other Taoist teachings.
Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) is not only a body therapy technique, but a lineage practice involving training in energy cultivation (qigong) and alchemical Taoist meditations to heal the body, mind and spirit.
Our days will begin with Qigong to cultivate the chi in practitioners. In the classroom each day, we will move consciously through each of the organ systems, learning how to access the knowledge of the body with our hearts and our hands.
Benefits of Chi Nei Tsang:
Improved energy and sleep
Improved physical and emotional digestion
Regulation of elimination
Relief from abdominal pain
Boost your metabolism to a state of vibrant health
Achieve Self Empowerment over your sense of well being
You will learn:
To identify the location and function of the internal organs
Several treatment protocols, including a full body detoxifying routine
Manual and Energetic techniques to improve digestion and alleviate abdominal pain
Opening the diaphragm for better breathing
Introduction to the five elements theory
Qigong and meditation to boost your energy level and harmonize organs
6 Healing Sounds Meditation
Tao Yin to open the Meridians
Tuition: $475
Location: Ft. Marcy in Santa Fe, NM
Class hours are 9-5pm daily
**Ask the registration desk about the "Caryn Diel Group Room Discounts' at Ft. Marcy
Tell them that you are part of the class
For room reservations at Ft. Marcy call 505 988-2800
Learn how to "take the waters"
Learn how to "take the waters"
During Chi Nei Tsang Retreats Caryn will talk about the history of "Taking the Waters" and how to best use natural hot springs.
Join us in Sedona, Arizona
We will be looking at the Vortex energy that is prevalent on this land and learn how to apply Geomancy to our healing practice.
Join us in Sedona, Arizona
We will be looking at the Vortex energy that is prevalent on this land and learn how to apply Geomancy to our healing practice.
Anpuku Ryoho
Abdominal Massage and Therapy.
Article from yotsume dojo in Arizona. (2017)
Anpuku means “to ease or calm the Hara”. The Hara being the abdomen or the Tanden. Ryoho means therapy. Anpuku Ryoho can be traced back to the Nara and Heian periods in Japan (710-1185 AD) During the later part of this period Anpuku therapy was called Haratori.
One theory says that Anpuku entered Japan from China at the same time as Acupuncture and other medical arts. A second theory says, it entered on its own separately. Anpuku therapy has always been closely related to Koho Anma, Traditional Japanese Massage, and has always been highly respected.
During the Edo period (1602-1868 AD) Ampuku, Anma and other branches of Oriental medicine reached their peak. Toward the end of this period the Shogunate (Japanese government) made Anma and Anpuku a form of welfare for the blind. This period in conjunction with WWII brought much decline to high level medicine in Japan. Most techniques for curing disease with Ampuku therapy were lost and the art became simple abdominal massage.
After WWII bodywork medicine became one of the primary professions for the blind and schooling now often takes place in schools for the blind. Many anma practitioners in Japan advertised as Anma and Anpuku together and apply techniques very lightly. When working at a true therapeutic level. Techniques are not always pleasant to receive.
During the 1960s many therapists in Japan began researching the old ways of medicine again. During this time, Shizuto Masunaga, the founder of a style of Shiatsu (finger pressure therapy) translated into modern Japanese and published a work on Anpuku called the Anpuku Zukai ( illustrations of Anpuku). This work was written during the Edo period by an Anpuku therapist by the name of Shunsai Ota. This manuscript is now the foundation of modern Anpuku therapy.
(This book was recently translated into English and other languages by Philippe Vandenabeele by Shinzui Bodywork International Institute. Note from Caryn Boyd Diel)
Japanese Medical Views of the Abdominal Region
In Oriental medicine the abdomen (Tanden) is the most important part of the body because the Tanden is the center of Ki (inner life force) and many of the internal organs are housed in this region. In the abdomen there is a point below the navel known as Kikai (Chihai). This means a sea of energy. This point on the body is where a mixture and uniting of different types of Ki occurs. In Taoist influenced medicine and spirituality, there are three types of KI: Tenki – Heaven Energy, Chiki – Earth Energy, and Jinki - human Energy. Heaven energy and Earth energy enter the body at the top of the head and at the bottom of the feet and then they both run into the abdomen and unite at the kikai point to form Jinki (Human Energy).
To quote the oldest medical text in Japan known as the Ishinpo: “When the energies of Heaven and Earth combine Humans are formed”. This is why the region of the abdomen is held in such high regard in Oriental medicine. Anpuku Ryoho (Abdominal Therapy) assists in the clean combination of energies that naturally takes place in the Hara/Tanden. Anpuku therapy is very deeply linked to Fukushin (Abdominal Diagnosis). This diagnosis method became more developed in Japan then in China where is seems to have been replaced with tongue diagnosis. Fukushin consists of various methods for retrieving information from the abdominal region.
The Effects of Anpuku Ryoho Abdominal Therapy
*Releases the congestion of Ki (vital life force)
*Relaxes and detoxifies the internal organs
*Harmonizes the stomach and intestinal functions
*Promotes digestion and elimination
*Smoothes the blood flow and adjusts the pulse
*Opens the joints
*Assists Structural rebalancing
*Replaces the internal organs to their proper locations
*Makes the muscles flexible
*Moistens the skin
*Increases the mental powers
*Strengthens the memory and the body
*Balances the emotions
*Assists longevity