Asian Bodywork Therapy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Asian Bodywork Therapy is a specialized field dedicated to enhancing physical, emotional, and energetic well-being through time-honored healing practices rooted in East Asian medical traditions. This program equips students with the knowledge and hands-on expertise to apply a diverse range of bodywork techniques grounded in holistic principles of balance, flow, and natural healing.

• Acupressure: A technique involving targeted pressure on specific points along energy pathways to stimulate circulation, relieve tension, and support the body’s innate healing capacity.
• AMMA(r) Therapy: A Japanese-style bodywork method emphasizing deep tissue manipulation, joint mobilization, and energy balancing using rhythmic, flowing movements.
• Chi Nei Tsang: A specialized form of internal organ massage focused on releasing physical and emotional blockages within the abdominal cavity to restore digestive and energetic harmony.
• Five Element Shiatsu: A diagnostic and therapeutic approach based on the five classical elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), used to assess and balance the body’s energy systems.
• Integrative Eclectic Shiatsu: A flexible, personalized system combining core Shiatsu principles with elements from other bodywork modalities for a tailored treatment experience.
• Japanese Shiatsu: A refined, precise technique using finger pressure, stretching, and joint mobilization to restore balance in the body’s energy flow (ki).
• Jin Shin Do(r) Bodymind Acupressure(tm): A gentle, non-invasive practice that uses hand placements on specific energy pathways to calm the nervous system and promote deep relaxation.
• Macrobiotic Shiatsu: A holistic method aligned with macrobiotic dietary and lifestyle principles, emphasizing harmony between body, mind, and environment.
• Anma Therapy: A traditional Japanese massage technique involving rhythmic pressing, kneading, and stretching to relieve muscular tension and improve circulation.
• Thai Massage: A dynamic, full-body practice combining acupressure, assisted yoga postures, and energy line work to enhance flexibility, circulation, and mental clarity.
• Tui Na: A Chinese therapeutic massage system using rhythmic pressing, rolling, and manipulation techniques to address musculoskeletal imbalances and support internal organ function.
• Zen Shiatsu: A meditative, intuitive approach to bodywork that emphasizes the practitioner’s awareness and connection to the client’s energy field.
• Qigong: A mind-body practice integrating movement, breath control, and meditation to cultivate and balance vital energy (qi) for health and vitality.
• Okazaki(r) Restorative Massage: A gentle, non-invasive modality designed to support recovery, reduce stress, and promote deep physiological relaxation through minimal pressure and mindful touch.
• Principles of Western and Chinese Medicine: Foundational knowledge of both biomedical science and traditional Chinese medicine concepts, including meridians, yin-yang, and the five elements, to inform clinical decision-making.
• Patient Counseling and Observation: Skills in client intake, assessment, communication, and observational analysis to tailor treatments and support long-term wellness goals.
• Practice Management: Training in business operations, scheduling, client relations, and professional branding for those pursuing independent practice.
• Applicable Regulations and Professional Standards: Understanding of state licensing requirements, legal scope of practice, insurance, and ethical conduct in bodywork therapy.