Okazaki Restorative Massage

Okazaki Restorative Therapy is a modern form of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In China it would be called Tuina or Am Mo therapy. In the West it might be called a type of comprehensive acupressure. It was developed from the more traditional Japanese Shiatsu therapies by Seishiro Okazaki, one of the foremost Oriental healers of the 20th Century. Okazaki had many famous patients including President Franklin Roosevelt, and Mrs. JohnFranklin Roosevelt undergoing restorative therapy treatment Burns (wife of the former governor of Hawaii), plus many celebrities such as Charlie Chaplin and Johnny Weismuller.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has its roots in Chinese culture 3000 to 5000 years ago. It is a complete and comprehensive medical system and is recognized by the National Institute of Health as an acceptable alternative to Western medical therapies. The advantage of TCM “is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.” (1) A prime caveat of Western medicine is “ALWAYS use the least invasive approach first”. This would apply in all but the most serious and life threatening situations. Theoretically, based on this caveat, almost every person should FIRST seek treatment with Asian Bodywork Therapy.

There are three major legs to TCM: bodywork therapy, herbology, and acupuncture. Each employs the same theoretical principles. The oldest and still one of the most powerful of treatments is Asian Bodywork Therapy (Okazaki Restoration). It is more time consuming, yet more comprehensive in approach.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

TCM theory postulates the flow of blood, Qi, and fluids within a web of pathways called meridians or channels that course throughout the body intersecting the internal organs. When the blood, Qi, and fluids flow easily through the body, then health is maintained. When their circulation is impeded, numerous symptoms appear such as joint pain, anxiety, headache, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure, indigestion, etc. The blood, Qi, and fluids must be in a state of harmony in the body based on the principle of dynamic polarity: Yin and Yang (cold and hot, wet and dry, soft and hard, passive and active, dark and light, etc.). These are in constant motion and change.

Disturbances in the balance and flow of blood, QI, and fluids can lead to disfunction in the major internal organs. Impaired Kidney Jing (essence) may lead to retarded growth, learning problems, and infertility. Lung Qi deficiency can lead to general weakness. Lung disharmony can contribute to many skin conditions. Impaired Heart function can lead to abnormal pulses, cold extremities, and even more serious heart problems. Excess Liver Yang can rise causing headache, insomnia, and hypertension. Rising Stomach Qi may lead to belching, nausea, and vomiting. Impaired Shen (spirit) can result in anxiety, insomnia, and confusion.

Disharmony may be caused by external or internal influences. Examples of major internal influences are anger, joy, sadness, grief, and fear. Examples of external influences are cold, damp, heat, and dryness. Other examples of causes of disharmony include constitutional factors, diet, exercise, work related stress, and accidents.

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Therapists in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) use several methods to arrive at a diagnosis: wrist pulses; palpation of specific points on the back and chest; evaluation of patient symptoms; observation of the face, tongue, and body; evaluation of diet, habits, environment, and emotions. Treatment via TCM involves point stimulation, diet, herbal remedies, and exercise.

OKAZAKI RESTORATION

In Okazaki Restoration all 12 major channels and the two major vessels are treated. Almost every major point is covered. Normally these points are sensitive, but when the Qi is blocked at a particular point, it can be very sensitive. Any discomfort is typically temporary and transitory. In some cases balance can be achieved in one treatment, but other times requires a series of treatments. A complete treatment takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

BEFORE THE TREATMENT

Avoid all the following up to one hour before the treatment: all food, drinks (except small amounts of water to slake thirst), alcoholic beverages, prescription pain medications, Jacuzzi/hot tub, and sauna. Any of these can change the value (Qi) and polarity of the points which could negate the effectiveness of the treatment. When you arrive for your treatment be sure to tell the therapist any significant health issues that you may have: pregnancy, high blood pressure, heart irregularity, etc.

SPECIFIC RESULTS OF THE TREATMENT

In addition to specific results from special treatment of various points, at the conclusion of the treatment the patient typically feels very calm and sedated. To get the maximum benefit, the patient must take 24 hours to REST and allow the Qi to complete one full circulation in the body. Failure to take this 24 hour rest may result in serious blockages resulting in severe joint pain and other symptoms. The treatment also stimulates the removal of toxins (normal metabolic toxins and toxins from the byproducts of prescription drugs and/or other foreign substances). This may rarely result in headaches, and body aches for a few hours as these toxins are filtered from the blood. The patient is encouraged to drink extra water during the 24 hour period following the treatment. Okazaki Restoration is VERY POWERFUL and often results in increased energy and feelings of well being, sometimes lasting for days or weeks. This is the result of removing blockages restoring balance in the body. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, the number of treatments needed can vary from one to about a dozen.

WHAT OKAZAKI RESTORATION IS NOT

Okazaki Restorative Therapy is not some kind of Western deep muscle treatment. On the surface it may appear similar, BUT it is as different as apples from oranges. It is not a “touchy, feely” treatment. Nor does it employ needles like acupuncture. The U.S. Dept. of Education clearly differentiates between general massage (51.3501) and Asian Bodywork Therapy (51.3502) (2). Be very careful of false practitioners. Many practitioners will take a seminar or short course on acupressure/shiatsu/ABT etc., and they may even represent themselves as trained Asian therapists, but they are not properly trained to practice Asian Bodywork. Go to the following web sites to see a listing of certified Okazaki Restoration Therapists (christianjujitsu.org) (aobta.org).

WESTERN MEDICINE

Western medicine is predominantly focused on symptoms after a crisis has developed (Allopathic doctors – M.D. ‘s). While they have developed remarkable and effective treatments in emergency medicine and surgery, many of the drugs (chemicals) they prescribe are very toxic. TCM on the other hand is focused on maintaining balance, sustaining immunity, and prevention of serious problems by intervention at an earlier stage. Also, many chronic conditions are better addressed by Chinese medicine.

IN CONCLUSION

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used to treat billions of people over 1000’s of years. It is a comprehensive medical system that is fully relevant today. The first leg of Chinese medicine based on the historical record is bodywork therapy, the manual manipulation of meridians and points on the body, removing blockages of Qi and Blood. (3)

Dr. Frank Warren, M.D., stated “As a matter of fact, there are many conditions that respond better to acupressure than to needling, drugs, or surgery. Don’t for a moment confuse acupressure with run-of-the-mill treatment: it’s nothing like it at all. You see, standard generalized treatment with its rubbing and kneading can’t be considered a science. Not really. It’s fine for working the kinks out of a stiff muscle or giving you some degree of relaxation. But that’s about all. On the other hand, acupressure makes use of the very precise points that have been in use nearly five thousand years. By knowing the exact spot to press or rub, you can turn off many ailments just like flipping a switch. Pain will vanish in seconds.” (4)

Most Asian Bodywork practitioners work cooperatively in complimentary practice with other providers such as MD’s, ND’s, DO’s, DC’s, OMD’s, and others. Go to the web sites listed above to find a qualified therapist in your area.

REFERENCES

1. NIH Concensus Development Statement: Acupuncture, Nov.3-5,1997
2. U.S. Dept. Educ. Classification of Instructional Programs (2000 Edition)
3. Handbook of Okazaki Restoration, Gene Edwards Ed.D., 1997
4. Complete Guide to Acupuncture and Acupressure, M. Toguchi & F. Warren, MD, Gramercy Pub. New York, 1985.

The Christian JuJitsu Association provides basic and advanced instruction in Okazaki Restoration Therapy. Inquiries can be directed to:
CJA
P.O. Box 7174
Kalispell, MT 59904

Christian JuJitsu Association Certified Practitioners of Okazaki Restorative Therapy

Certified Instructor
Prof. Gene Edwards, Ed.D, , Kalispell, MT (406/257-3245)

Level 1 Practitioners
Prof. David Hallowell, Napa, CA
Chris Andrews, Lake Elsinore, CA
Prof. Marcos Baca, Carmel, CA
Prof. Dan Baca, Boulder, CO
Cory Nauman, Carmel, CA
Brian Turley, Los Angeles, CA