Anma (按摩) was the Japanese term for a masseuse, or massage specialist in the martial arts. Anma often practiced in fairly communal business groups in feudal Japan. They were made popular by the famous popular culture character known as Zatoichi, quite possibly the best known and most complimentary portrayal of an individual in their subculture. They were generally nomadic, earning their keep in mobile massage capacities, and paying commissions to their referrers. They were surrounded by many superstitions as well, and some have been utilized for comedy in some Japanese films. This article needs to be cleaned up to conform to a higher standard of quality. ... History of Japan Paleolithic Jomon Yayoi Yamato period ---Kofun period ---Asuka period Nara period Heian period Kamakura period Muromachi period Azuchi-Momoyama period ---Nanban period Edo period Meiji period Taisho period Showa period ---Japanese expansionism ---Occupied Japan ---Post-Occupation Japan Heisei Pre-History/The Origin of History Jomon Period Main... Shintaro Katsu in Zatoichi Challenged (1967) Takeshi Kitano in Zatoichi (2003) Zatoichi (座é å¸ ZatÅichi) is a fictional character featured in one of Japans longest running series of films and a television series set in the Edo period. ...
Anma focuses on improving muscle condition and circulation of Qi, or Universal Life Energy.
While Western massage techniques tend to focus on relaxing the client, the goals of Anma are to influence the internal organs, maintain balanced physical and psychological functioning of the body, reduce various ailments and help with realigning of the physical structure that may be needed.
Anma's foundation is the kneading technique, which combines with several different application techniques to construct the massage.