Amatsu - Japanese Osteopathy
Amatsu takes a unique approach to diagnosing, treating, and preventing physical ailments, injuries and conditions of the body. It looks at the Gait mechanism of the body: how the body moves in walking, how each part interacts with the next, and establishes inefficiencies in movement, posture and balance.
Once inefficiencies and injuries in the body are identified, varying techniques are used to release, restore or repair the malfunction, poor neurological pattern, postural misalignment or any other condition causing ill health.
In its holistic approach to the body, Amatsu looks at all factors affecting the body: emotional, chemical, environmental, electrical and structural and their interdependency on each other. It considers that if any one of these factors is affected, then by default all can be affected. A successful treatment will bring balance back into the body and mind, and will rehabilitate and resolve a large number of internal and external problems.
What to expect from a treatment
A treatment can last anything up to an hour. Each treatment begins with a brief consultation to discuss overall general health and symptoms as well as any other factors which may be influencing the condition. During the consultation notes are taken for historical reference. Following the consultation, a physical assessment is done through observation of the client’s walking pattern, followed by a brief structural analysis standing or lying depending on the condition. The treatment will vary depending on the condition, but will generally involve a mix of pressure point work, mobilisation of joints, massage and general palpation. All work is done through the clothing, so it is recommended that comfortable relaxed clothing is worn. Occasionally oil may be used with towels as with regular massage techniques. A few minutes will be taken at the end to discuss any changes in symptoms, pain etc. And a quick repeat gait assessment done, concluding the treatment.
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.”
How will I feel after a treatment?
A significant number of people notice a difference immediately after treatment, while the effects will not be felt by others for a few days. Usually clients will feel more freedom to move and notice their bodies standing and moving differently as though their bodies are more upright. Treatments can sometimes cause people to feel relaxed and/or sleepy. Achiness is a common symptom of the treatment as the body is letting go of old injuries. In order to counteract this, you should drink large amounts of water and stay mobile. This is how your body is reacting to the changes it has just undergone and is perfectly normal. In order for the corrections to fully integrate I recommend that you walk for a few minutes after your treatment.