What the Amatsu treatment involves:

During your first session (Balance) a detailed personal history is taken to give the practitioner a clear idea of the problem. Using a combination of observation, muscle testing, and palpation (touch) further information on the current state of the body is gathered before applying a combination of techniques to suit the clients needs.

It is not unusual to feel different straight away, although some people feel the changes over the first few days following treatment. Some people may feel tired; others get a boost of energy. The body is simply adjusting to the changes. It is always recommended to drink plenty of water following treatment to keep the body hydrated.

Jenny McGann treating a client

All Amatsu practitioners are trained in the following skills:

Anma:

This literally means 'to push and pull'. Specific areas of the body are pushed and pulled (gently) to release tension and tightness, thereby restoring the normal flow of blood and lymph to promote growth, repair and restoration of normal function. The techniques involved very closely resemble those used in massage, so that Anma may be regarded as a form of remedial massage

Seitei:

This literally means 'to correct the body'. It focuses on the head (on neck), Hara (spine/pelvis) and the feet to bring about symmetry and paralateral movement. Therefore all treatments re- align and re-balance the person from head to toe, whilst balancing the meridian circuits of the body and the intrinsic cranio-sacral system. This results in a restoration of symmetry and a boost to homeostasis (immune system) with a reduction of body strains. Seitai is the aspect of Amatsu medicine which most closely resembles Western osteopathy, although in practice, it tends to be much more gentle.

Shindenjutsu:

This means to find the pivot (fulcrum) and fluid drive through it. In simple terms, it involves the correction of ligament imbalances of the joints and organs of the body. It is the heart of Amatsu balancing. In this approach, the ligaments are employed to spring tensions that have become locked into body structures blocking the flow of energy. Old strains leave a footprint of the injury or illness that continues to malfunction for many years. These archaic patterns lay the foundation for many illnesses we encounter, especially when our immune systems are lowered due to stress. It is precisely these patterns that this method addresses.

Kenkujutsu:

This literally means 'the head (and spine)'. It is the name given to Amatsu' s approach to balancing the cranial mechanism of the head and spine. It is an integral part of the therapy. The head governs all spinal movement (where the head goes, the body follows), and according to Western research, cranial imbalances affect our emotions, posture, dentition, movement, and can cause colic, restlessness and discomfort in newborn babies. Cranial balancing has been found to be useful in the treatment of these as well as many other symptoms. Clinical evidence has shown that it is also beneficial to the treatment of arthritis, tension, dyslexia, sinusitis, pain in pregnancy, concentration, eye strain, headaches, and migraines.

These four areas of Amatsu medicine are not kept separate, and blend into each other during treatment. For example, points on a limb may be stimulated (Anma), whilst the limb is gently moved for positional release (Seitai). This is a gentle therapy, suitable for young and old alike. There are no hard adjustments in Amatsu, and the majority of clients find the treatment to be very relaxing.