Chinese Therapeutic Massage is a term that covers many types of massage (anmo). The most commonly known in the West is probably Tuina Anmo, while less known is Fuzang Anmo. Tuina can be considered as the Yang to Fuzang's Yin.

TUINA ANMO
Tuina is a method of Chinese Massage that utilizes soft tissue manipulation, acupoints, and structural re-alignment methods to treat a wide variety of musculo-skeletal and internal organ disorders. It uses traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of Qi through the channels as its basic therapeutic principle. Through various techniques Tuina seeks to increase the circulation of Qi and Blood in order to promote healing and relieve pain. Passive joint movements are also used to restore complete function to muscles and joints.

As with all types of massage, most of the effects of Tuina occur through its function of stimulating the flow of Qi, Blood, and body fluids. Many health problems are caused by blockages of these vital fluids. Tuina can re-establish the proper flow of these fluids and the function of the body and promote the recovery of damaged tissues.

Tuina Anmo is commonly used to treat the following conditions:  Musculo-skeletal problems, nervous systems disorders, chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive and respiratory systems, and reproductive systems.

FUZANG ANMO
Fuzang Anmo (Internal Organ Massage) is a method of Chinese massage (pioneered in the West by Master Mantak Chia under the name Chi Nei Tsang) which is focused primarily, but not only, on the abdomen works through all the body systems: digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, nervous, muscle/tendon and acupuncture channels.

Early Chinese doctors observed that humans often develop blockages in their internal organs that result in knots and tangles in their abdomens. These obstructions occur at the centre of the body’s vital functions and constrict the flow of Qi and Blood. Negative emotions affect the organs, while stress, accidents, drugs, toxins, bad posture, etc., can also cause congestion. When congested, the internal organs accumulate unhealthy energies and toxins that can overflow into other bodily systems and make us feel unwell.

The lower abdomen is considered to be the centre of the body. Qi, Blood and other fluids concentrate and cross paths there. It is a generator and storage place for energy as well as the area that balances all forces and is the physical centre of gravity. Disturbances can cause physical tangling and knotting of the nerves, blood and lymph vessels. Fuzang Anmo can help eliminate these blockages.

Fuzang Anmo is commonly used to treat the following conditions: Intestinal blockages, menstrual cramps, sciatica, knots and lumps, scar tissue, sports injuries, headaches, poor blood circulation, lower back pain, infertility and impotence, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME, Chronic Fatigue), stress, abdominal masses, swellings and fibroids.

The Chanquanshu Chinese Therapeutic Massage course includes both types, Tuina Anmo and Fuzang Anmo, but it specializes in Fuzang.