Anpuku Abdominal Massage Japanese Theory

Anpuku (Abdominal) Massage is a general term for a collection of abdominal massage techniques. These techniques involve many different theories of application. Our presentation here consists of only a few which can be helpful in "clearing" the abdomen to obtain a more accurate abdominal diagnosis. Anpuku may improve the accuracy of diagnosis and efficacy of treatment in various Japanese Acupuncture protocols such as Five Phase and Extraordinary Vessel treatments. The information presented below discusses basic theory behind the technique, guidelines for applying the technique and examples of clinical use. Some of the techniques listed here require significant amounts of training to be performed correctly and should only be performed by practitioners who have been trained properly.

Ko Shin Jutsu
Bun Roku Jutsu
Ro To Jutsu

Ko Shin Jutsu:
Helps to descend the energy of Heart
Massage in descending lines from the top of the rib cage to the bottom and all the way across the abdomen with one hand following the other
Bun Roku Jutsu:
Helps to clear the Small and Large Intestines
With your right hand atop your left, massage in a clockwise fashion from the umbilicus out
Ro To Jutsu:
Helps to move Ki in the abdomen
Using both hands at the same time move outwards (to the left and to the right) from the midline, beginning at the xiphoid and moving down

Sources and More Information

The information on our site is drawn from our own lecture notes and clinical experience. The following lecture notes were used within this section:

Iuliano, Diane: New England School of Acupuncture, Extraordinary Vessel Techniques Lecture Notes
Kuwahara, Koei: New England School of Acupuncture, Advanced Japanese Techniques Lecture Notes