Amatsu therapy is a modern adaptation of a soft tissue therapy that has been used for thousands of years in Japan.
Amatsu use ancient wisdom with modern techniques to treat the body as a whole. It is based on ancient principles of natural movement and seek to address many musculo-skeletal and lifestyle-related conditions, as well as supporting the restoration of general health and well being. Amatsu therapy is based on the theory of biotensegrity and it applies its principles to its treatment.
We use unique soft tissue pressure and mobilisation techniques to treat your whole body, not just the symptoms of pain or discomfort you are experiencing. They will also seek to address the effects of life’s daily stresses on your body – such as physical, emotional, and environmental factors.
Unlike many other therapies, it is a whole-body treatment that works with the body’s soft tissue (e.g. muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, and organs) to help to re-balance other key mechanical and energetic structures (e.g. the spine, bones, joints, cranium and meridian circuits).
Amatsu is suitable for people of all age groups, those with limited mobility and pregnant women.
How does Amatsu work?
Amatsu uses soft tissue and mobilisation techniques rooted in the ancient Japanese “feeling” practised by Dr Hatsumi and developed by Dennis Bartram. Together they provide Amatsu therapists with a unique set of techniques and applying the principles of biotensegrity to treat clients. These techniques are movement oriented and engage with the body. The idea of biotensegrity, as stated above, is based on the tensegrity structure. Tension and compression help form this structure. The structure reflects that of the human body: a collection of rigid bones floating in a network of soft muscular tissue. Amatsu therapy cross’s the interface of the body to effect the biotensegrity of the body. By appling a load in a specific area to make the greatest change so it can have an effect on somewhere else and globally using the principles of biotensegrity.
For more information about Amatsu Therapy and how we work, check out our FAQ
History & Philosophy of Amatsu Therapy
Amatsu Therapy is an ancient Japanese natural movement treatment utilising ‘hands on’ therapeutic techniques dating back over 2,000 years. The ‘feeling’ and principles taught today directly derive from Dr Hatsumi and the ancient school of Hichi Buku Goshin Jutsu Ryu. This is a school of the breathing and physical techniques of one of the ancient traditional healing arts of Japan. It translates as ‘The secret flower opening school for the defence of the self’.
Amatsu uses soft tissue and mobilisation techniques rooted in the ancient Japanese “feeling” practised by Dr Hatsumi; Japanese Osteopath, Acupuncturist, Sekotsu therapist, inscribed on the wall of honour of the Royal Society of Medicine in London and is the former Togakure-Ryu Soke (grandmaster) of the Bujinkan.
Amatsu Orthopathic Therapy’s breakthrough in the West began in 1986 when Dennis Bartram first discovered Dr Hatsumi’s work, and then in 1995 when Dennis, William Doolan and Christopher Roworth made history as the first non-Japanese therapists to be taught the ancient healing principles of the Tatara by Dr Hatsumi. They were all granted Menkyo Kaiden (full teaching rights) of the ancient school as a result of Dennis Bartram’s personal work and research.
The Philosophy of Amatsu - The go-dai:
One of the principle philosophies of Amatsu Therapy is that of the Go-dai.
Go-dai means the ‘Big Five’ and it focuses on the inter-reaction of the five major body systems. These are:
Physical - structure, bones, muscles, ligaments, viscera
Mental - thought processes, emotions, beliefs and values
Electrical - energy systems, nervous system and energy levels
Chemical - hormones, digestive system and the food you eat
Environmental - where, when and how you do what you do
In essence, the principle is these systems are interconnected. Therefore, treating with Amatsu Therapy techniques will have an impact not only on the physical body, but on all of the other systems.
By treating the whole body, all of the elements will be able to work together to regain better health, function and balance. Regaining the natural, healthy patterns relevant to you is the aim.
