amatsu’s natural movement

*

Kabito Sashi, Mysterious Hands, Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2003 1

AMATSUS NATURAL MOVEMENT APPROACH IS A

MOVEMENT ORIENTATED THERAPY Naturally integrated movements become the intuitive way of checking your balance and taking responsibility to clear any distortions This is the first step towards self-regulation and is the true nature of exercise. We bend many thousands of times daily in non-integrated ways. This develops pathways of co-ordination with the wrong muscles for that action, thus weakening the co-ordination of the right muscles for the action. This results in minor strains, aches without an apparent cause, leading to abnormal wear/tear damage. In time these abnormal patterns of movement through adaption become the accepted norm for the body Without Natural Movement life would not exist. This is the constant interplay of Yin/Yang Polarity. There is always an overspill of one to the other; this interplay is the movement inside of its flow that binds the two together. Inside this law of attraction and repulsion are the vortices of force that create everything from Hurricanes to DNA molecule.

This document is Dennis Bartrams study and research of Dr Hatsumis teaching on the ancient Principles of Amatsu Medicine.


As students, Hatsumi told us the past was less important than the future evolvement of Amatsu. All of the principles presented here were born from man copying Natures Laws. He told us to find these principles as they exist in Nature first. This research is a compilation of his direct oral instruction and modern Natural Scientific fact to substantiate his records and teachings. As such they are protected by copyright law against reproduction or copying of its principles and techniques.

ANMAJUTSU Is believed to have come into Japan about 1,500-2,000 years ago, from China. However some people speculate that Anma could have originated in India as long ago as 10,000 years. Obviously, which ever route, Anma entered Japan and was refined into the Japanese methods. In Japan there are numerous styles of Anma and Anmajutsu, depending on which family line they originate from, the methods presented here are the methods utilised by Professor Masaaki Hatsumi. He Says There is an old text called the Ishinbo (I Shin Bo) detailing traditional Japanese medicine, in this text it records that only high ranking people were permitted to undertake Anmajutsu (Kengo elite class) true Anmajutsu is very different to modern (Edo period) Anma. Modern Anma is more a massage therapy that makes the person feel good, this is important also. But Anmajutsu is used like other methods of Amatsu Ryho (Amatsu medicine) to bring the wellness out that already exists inside the person. If you just push with your fingers or hands like this (Demonstrating) this is just a finger pressure. The important thing is the feeling. He explained that Takamatsu sensei would often rub mint into tight muscles to highlight the Kyushu and with this his feeling would soon make the muscle soft. Anpuka is also a part of Anmajutsu, but now days we see people just pushing on the abdomen, they do not use the feeling to feel the organs etc. Use the feeling and use the whole body this is the most important thing. There are many techniques utilised in Anmajutsu the most important ones include: Junetsu Kneading movements, which include grasping and twisting. Kyokute Percussion, to listen, feel and treat Shinsen Vibrational movements, with and without movement. Haaku Pulling the tissue and squeezing it (Petrisage) Ten Chi Holding the top of the head and the tailbone. Anpuka Abdomen and visceral squeeze/tonification Ashi Use of the feet, and methods applied on the feet. Tekyo Special hand treatments, by squeezing the fingers.


Anma can be interpreted as the massage level of Amatsu. But it encompasses the application of Natural movement principles on soft tissue structures. Anma means to Push and Pull and its application on the body influences many structures and systems depending on your skill levels. The Stroking stretching and kneading of the tissue is ancient, not only to man but to all animal species. This short extract from the book Touching by Ashley Montague, explains the skins global intelligence: Continuous stimulation of the skin by external environment serves to maintain both sensory and motor tonus. The brain must receive sensory feedback from the skin in order to make such adjustments as may be called for, in reference to the information it receives. The feedback from the skin to the Brain even in sleep is continuous Hatsumi sensei explained to us that in the beginning ancient man had no real knowledge of pathology or deep anatomical structure. The kneading or stroking would be applied to injuries or pain according to instinctual feel. He explained by coming from their hearts through their thumbs would bring out the wellness in the person. Dr. George Goodheart, Chiropractor made this quote on the Applied Kinesiology research papers in 1976. Man, as you know, is a structural-chemical-psychological equilateral triangle, and he possesses the potential for recovery through the innate intelligence of the human structure. This recovery potential with which he is endowed merely waits for your hand and your heart and your mind to bring to potential being and allow the recovery to take place which is mans natural heritage. This benefits man, and it benefits you, and it benefits our profession. You can see that the Chiropractic profession has evolved from the same views of innate natural principles. Ancient men were more in touch with their nature certainly more instinctual than logic in their approach. There was a much healthier balance between instinctual knowledge and logically deduced information. The Dexterity of the various tools we make from our limbs to perform the Anma is known as a Ningu. But its much more than just having dexterous hands, it is a totally integrated body feeling. The Natural movement that moulds the contacts into techniques is known as Tai Jutsu. In this movement the principles we employ were born in Nature and utilise natures flow methods and simplicity. Hatsumi taught us to understand nature and perceive energy as you develop a strong spirit and a superior Tai Jutsu. There is a saying: Simple things are simply seen but rarely understood. Hatsumi would tell us to find things in nature that already exist to understand the techniques of Amatsu. These time honoured natural fundamentals are Hatsumis heritage and obligation as his role as a Soke Grandmaster.


The Natural movement he talks about is the way in which animals, mammals and birds utilise the motion created by air/water, as propellants thereby conserving energy by using inertia, minimal body movement, Natural flow and always a totally integrated body motion.

For example, if you watch an eagle detect prey, it can be noted how quickly it can turn on a vertical axis dive, follow and attack its prey. The prey is stunned by the inertia of the attack; there after the Eagles talon kill the animal. This is a one-point influence to a local stimulus with a global effect. Dr Hatsumis technique employs this one point principle in healing. By palpation, understanding the tensegrity pulls and adaptions of a lesion pattern he can affect a correction with the application of body FEEL behind a point of contact. This is a Master level of Anma understanding and evaluation.

KYUSHU In all strain patterns there are critical points of change. In Amatsu there points are known as the Kyushu. Acupressure and Shiatsu philosophies classically follow the Tsubo points on the meridian lines. Dr. Hatsumi explained to us that the Kyushu can be anywhere in the tissue but co-incidentally may be over a Tsubo point. The area around Tsubos is affected by the strain in the tissue and creates imbalance in the meridian link up. As you affect the factors of the strain with your touch this also changes the effect in the Tsubo and meridian. Our journey begins with soft tissue releases at critical points of anatomical significance to the attachments affecting the Ancient limbic brain and its balancing influence on the upright walking body. These ANMA principles employ skills and tools designed to enable you to palpate, diagnose and correct with safety and competence. In medicine his clinical competence is of such a high order that I have seen Dr. Hatsumi assess by observation where the body is holding its lesion, contact the Kyushu, and evaluate many factors of the lesion, from thermal to fascial, and ligamentous attachments restrictions. His palpation is applied around the Kyushu searching feeling for the exact point. He can then apply his manual technique in such


a way to gather the connecting factors of the Kinematic chain of the strain or injury and collapse it.

KYU JUTSU TENKAN The principles involved in this way are to understand Natures flow of creative/destructive cycles or Kyu Jutsu Tenkan. All organs are constantly on the move and interacting with differing pressures as they perform their function. Hollow organs change shape as they fill with air, as is the case of the Lungs, also passing food through the digestive organs, has a similar affect. Organs interact with differing barometric pressures above and below the diaphragm and movement from skeletal muscles, also with their own sphincter and peristaltic movements. This is also an example of Kyu Jutsu or going from fullness to emptiness. Energy blockages and inflammations also create fullness and emptiness of organs, meridians or circulatory channels. Injuries or torsions that have now formed an altered structure because of adhesions, infections, abnormal and adaptive pulls create a new shape. By understanding the rules of assembly you can disassemble its restrictive patterns allowing the body to realign. This listening, palpation and corrective feel of the tissues is known as SHINDEN. Hatsumi explains that to have a true congruerance with your client from your Heart develops an acute instinctual sensitivity. Your palpatory skills will be able to detect many signals coming from the tissues to control their position, restrictive pulls and the critical points for change. As we embark on our Amatsu learning journey, we will pull and push on many one-point situations to release the bodys patterns. We need to identify with our contact points fingers, thumbs, elbows, knees etc, and learn to apply body feel behind them. Many of the Kyushu we will study are vulnerable points in the bodys anatomical make up. They provide windows were we can assess tensions, pulls, physiological and pathological changes in the tissue. Amatsus origins were formed from anatomical knowledge and the studying and copying of natural laws. Living during difficult times resulted in many physical injuries. Ancient knowledge and instinctual feel led to the development of many family systems of health care and self management techniques.


These became the fundamentals of our school of origin known as Hichi Buku Goshin Jutsu. This became a school of mind development and breathing exercises for self management as well as practitioner based principles.

IN JAPANESE MILITARY HISTORY an in-depth study of these vulnerable sites was undertaken. From known anatomy of these points techniques were developed to injure, maim and kill.

This anatomical accuracy led to many techniques developing for correction and maintenance of health and natural movement principles.

This information and research is valuable in therapy to be able to reverse the effects of trauma. This historical heritage formed part of Amatsus medical and self help knowledge.

To allow movement in armour there has to be minimal protection around the joints, shoulders, neck, elbows etc would be exposed.

Predators hunting prey instinctively know a victims weak spots. A cheetah has the body

Tvlo Tsp Bte

Ccontrol to trip his prey whilst running at 50 M.P.H. and suffocate its victim without breaking the skin. This is all achieved on the move in the rough and tumble of the fall.

he natural movement skills of the Budo Warrior would allow him ways to reach ulnerable places. They would be attacked in a variety of ways from striking, cutting. cking etc.

hey could hit freely from any place and any position with the free use of a changing uperior body movement as the base, feudal skills and Ningu that gave rise to owerful techniques.

y understanding the physiological adaption from the success of these attacks chniques of Anatomical significance developed.

opyright Dennis Bartram February 2003 7

Amatsu utilises this skill of ancient knowledge to correct conditions with natural physical modalities, handed down and evolved through the ages. Its important to understand the Anatomico-Physiological effects of these techniques to gain insight into the ramifications of an injury or trauma. Hatsumi stated, Medicine if practised poorly may kill instead. The Natural moving body employs many places of economic leverage to use inertia against gravity. These leverage points or fulcrums utilise ligaments and muscles around fixed points of the joints for an effortless flow of movement. Your Anma and Seitai techniques are directed towards these natural fulcrums in the body to correct imbalances and restrictions. Muscles and ligaments hold tensions from injuries or altered pulls causing adaptions at movement fulcrums. These adaptions restrict circulation, the visceral organ system, and the lymphatic system resulting in joint imbalance and osseous or bone restrictions.


LAW OF TENSEGRITY Amatsu medicine principles developed out of studying natures laws. There are no new fundamentals; basic laws of natures balance have allowed evolvement of all species. A recent researched law that has governed the shape of many structures through the ages is the law of Tensegrity. Researchers explain the principle thus, an architectural system in which structures stabilise themselves by balancing the counteracting forces of compression and tension. It gives shape and strength to both natural and artificial forms. So structures ranging from an egg to a seashell or a cranial bone all take their shape because of stress to a tensegrity model. The stress can be as simple as growth of the organism itself or an abnormality that has to be grown against. This forms part of our explorative examination along with other modalities of evaluation

TEMPORAL BONE Showing exposed semicircular canals in the petrous portion these same shapes can be found in seashells.

Life is the ultimate example of complexity at work. From beehive structures to the attachment of the Dura to the cranial bones, everything developed to a known architecture. A wide variety of natural systems including carbon atoms, water molecules, proteins and human tissue are all constructed using a common form of architecture know as tensegrity. Consider each bone as you examine your client, understand its development and function as weight-bearer, fulcrum, lever or propellant. Once you understand the functional and anatomical model of assembly and articular movement you can interplay with every facet of its make up. To understand the forces that interact with the law of tensegrity lets examine it more closely. Consider the skin or meniscus on a glass of water, the meniscus curves up at the sides of the glass

The pressure of gravity on the top of the water is equalised by the pressure of the sides of the glass and the water.

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2003

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Now place a drop of water on a piece of waxed card, the meniscus or skin will pucker to form a rounded outer surface. Water creates a form with a meniscus skin that allows the water to flow down the slope. In this way it maintains a structured form for the formlessness quality of the water to function through. It just naturally interacts with the pressures. The molecules of water are already pre-stressed to be ready for the natural changes subjected to it. Think of a seashell growing and adapting to the size of its inhabitant. As architecture becomes established, patterns appear for torsional strength of the structure. These patterns are exhibited in the horns of a ram or down the trabecullae formation of a typical vertebra. Its these patterns we need to check, release, reposition and re-pattern in our work. Hatsumi sensei talks about working in three-dimensional space whilst working with Tai Jutsu natural movement principles. Every joint in the body has the ability to interact with other points to produce patterns of multi-directional movements. This movement is an effortless flow but still has patterns of predictable levers and fulcrums to work around to counterbalance the stresses of movement against gravity or inertia. So you can see that good body use obeys these natural laws to produce movement with an effortless congruence. A bird flying or a fish swimming melds with fluid or air dynamics with its initial mechanical movements. Then inertia and gravity produces vortices and pressure differences in both air and water. The evolved shape of the fish or bird can utilise these waves to glide or propel at ease. Humans neither fly or swim but our mechanics enjoy the same freedom through the act of walking by balancing inertia with gravity. In moving towards an understanding of our next topic we will delve back in history to examine some structural engineering mastery. A thousand years ago in Japans history the makers of the famous Pagodas a secret to working with materials to build structures that would withstand the effects of earthquakes. A SANCHIN PRINCIPLE was involved in the structure. A Sanshin can be described as the coming together of three parts to act as one unit with more choice. These three factors interacted to produce a torsion gathering, shock absorbing adaptive mechanism. It is capable of shifting fulcrums making adaptions and self-correction.


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These structures were built by warrior statesmen to house their religious orders and ancestral shrines. Pause for a moment and imagine the mentality, intelligence, sensitivity and naturalness to even consider that technology into something built to last. An understanding of TECTONIC PLATE MOVEMENT, the characteristic movements of earthquakes and Tsunami wave vibrations would be vital. Then you had to construct a building to handle 3 dimensional vectors of force created by the waves of the quake. Modern architects and technology employed principles in building earthquake proof skyscrapers and bridges that left behind these ancient techniques. History unfortunately proved them wrong when an earthquake struck KOBE in Japan in 1995 devastating the city. The ancient concept encompassed a SANCHIN principle. The first of the three factors was a central pole throughout its length from top to bottom. The second principle was heavily eaved roofs, stooping downwards and turning up at the edges and increasing in length as they descend floors. This construction is like a Christmas tree with snow on its arms. The branch can shift its fulcrum along its length to take the weight of the snow. The third principle is to just stack the floors on top of each other like a stack of hats or saucers. As an earthquake strikes the floors move on themselves restricted by the shock absorbing central pole and altering its fulcrums along the balanced tiled roofs. Internalise for a moment on the bodies construction, vertebral column, Ribs, Sternum, limbs, balance points, pivots and fulcrums. Understand that these ancients employed natural principles in their work, studies and inventiveness.


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The study of the principles of TEN CHI JIN (Heaven, Earth and Man) allowed ancient people to understand the interplay of natural factors that influence our environment.


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SWITCHING

When stress is imposed to the body adaptions occur to re-establish balance. These adaptions cause energy fluctuations and alter muscle pulls around the body. Another reaction to stress is the fight or flight reflex where blood leaves the frontal lobes of the brain and organs, and rushes to the skeletal muscle in preparation for fight or flight. Although this is a primal reflex it still occurs whether the stress is life threatening or not. This adaptio is known as switching and it is important to cl r these adaptions prior to muscle t Its use in Amatswalking body is When a person masked or show To prepare yourpoints to bring th This procedure process of organ

SWITCH POINThe main points

Start by contactirub points K27 bupper and lower Then contact theand rub for abou

Copyright Dennis n

est evaluation.

u repatterning is important as the balance and integparamount.

is switched, muscle tests, energy tests and other incongruerence with other diagnostic factors.

client for Amatsu evaluation its our policy to ee neurology to a neutral balance.

not only saves time and gives a clearer evaluaisation to reintegrate moving patterns of the body.

TS used for switching protocol are shown in the illust

Ang the umbilicus with a finger contact of hand. Wiilaterally for about ten seconds, then CV1 and GV lips.

tip of the coccyx with one finger and the umbilicut ten seconds.

Bartram February 2003 earation of the of the

evaluations can be

valuate the switch

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We then tap the K27s and one of the SP21s and then K27 and the opposite SP21. Nutritional deficiency, stress and dehydration can all affect the body causing switching. Lung 1 and SP13 points are involved in energy shunts or Polarity between the two sides of the body and become involved in the gait mechanism of walking and movement.

MUSCLE TESTING

Muscle Testing is an art and like all art needs practice to become perfect. That means working with MANY people because every individual responds somewhat differently. In order to use AMATSU effectively, we must have an accurate muscle test. It is through the accurate feedback the body gives that we find energy and muscular imbalances. 80% of the muscle test is in the mind only 20% is actually physical. The brains computer gives the read-out on whether a muscle will lock or not lock. This is what muscle testers forget. Were going for the lock or unlock only not for the full range of motion of the muscle. The main problem testers have is OVER-POWERING; that is, applying more pressure than necessary to check the lock. For example: testing a strong muscle like quadriceps. If you use a lot of pressure, it will test stronger because the persons system recruits other muscle groups to hold the leg up. Only when you use just enough pressure to test the lock will you get an accurate read-out. Just enough pressure means an inch to an inch and a half; thats all. No more is needed. YOUR BASIC ATTITUDE IS IMPORTANT WHEN YOU MUSCLE TEST. For a variety of personal conditioning reasons on the part of both tester and testee, too often a muscle test turns into a contest of strength. A good muscle test is one in which both people are interested in discovering imbalances, not a game of I win / you lose. Remember youre looking for the lock, not for the full range of motion. Explain this and demonstrate exactly what you are going to do with each new person. What you want is co-operation, not competition. IF A MUSCLE IS WEAK: Since the body will recruit other muscle groups too hold that one strong, watch out for elbows bending, torsos twisting, hands clenching and straightening the leg (while testing gluteus maximus). When this happens, tell the testee what you observe and reposition the limb being tested. Its true you can over-power almost any muscle in almost anyone. But this risks doing actual damage to muscle and tendons. (After all, you want your people leaving


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you in better shape than when they arrived!) With this in mind, use a testing strength designed for the person youre working with. If a person is basically weak, monitor the pressure you apply by using only one or two fingers. If you persons extremely strong and you doubt the accuracy of the read-out youre getting, feather the neuro-lymphatic points for that muscle to weaken it and test again. Now shaky or a slight weakness will be noticed. This will be your criterion for the rest of the test procedure. When you apply pressure, remember your only pressure should be no more than an inch to an inch and a half. Hold for not more than two seconds and release. THEN determine whether the muscle is weak or strong. (IF YOU CONTINUE TO ADD PRESSURE TO THE MUSCLE WHILE DECIDING, YOU MAY FATIGUE IT ANY YOUR READING MAY BE INVALID. Another very good reason not to over-power!) RANGE OF MOTION The range of motion is in the opposite direction from the muscles normal function. For example quadriceps brings the leg up. The range of motion we test brings the leg down. Our pressure, in testing, goes in the direction of the range of motion. POSITIONING Our objective in positioning is to bring the origin and insertion of the muscle as close together as possible before testing. This puts the muscle in a contracted rather than extended state. (Remember, positioning should be exact because so many other muscles may be involved.) BILATERAL IMBALANCE Remember to note an imbalance of strength on either side of the body right may be strong, left weak, with a given muscle. This is important information. COUNTER MOTION BY THE PERSON BEING TESTED During the testing process, the testee often makes a counter-motion for instance, going up while you are testing down. Dont counter resist. Just let your hand go with that persons movement. Then re-position; explaining you want him or her to just hold it there. USE THE WORD HOLD INSTEAD OF RESIST Resist keys in all kinds of negative mental and emotional factors. It puts the person in an automatic fight or flight mode. On the other hand, the word hold puts the persons attention on maintaining a specific localised function. YOUR MIND MAY BE INFLUENCING YOUR TESTING PROCEDURES For example you may think the same muscle tests weak in almost everyone; your experience has convinced you. Check it out; your mind-set may have a lot to do with it. If you suspect such is happening, the next time you test: REPEAT THE ALPHABET TO YOURSELF MENTALLY WHILE YOU TEST THAT MUSCLE. (If you think the other person may be invalidating the test by willing a given muscle strong have that person recite the alphabet aloud while you make the test.) This works because it literally and figuratively clears the mind.


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NOW, WITH THESE POINTS IN MIND LETS TALK THROUGH THE ACTUAL TEST PROCEDURE 1. BEFORE TESTING PROTECT YOURSELF AND THE OTHER

PERSON. Briefly explain what muscle testing is and what it involves. Then ask, Is there any reason we should not muscle test you? Find out if there has been recent surgery, whiplash, a trick knee, intense pain right now etc. This protects you both from any inadvertent damage being done, or unnecessary stress put on the system.

2. SHOW RANGE OF MOTION PREVIOUS TO MAKING EACH TEST

Notice if there is any tension I the testees body while you do the demonstration such as clenched hands, ankles crossed, or the entire body thrown into resistance. If you see this happen, tell them to unclench, uncross and relax. Be sure the hands are not place on the body.

3. TELL THE PERSON TO HOLD then make the test, moving in slowly to

give the brain time to respond through the muscle being tested. (Remember the rule: no more than an inch to an inch and a half pressure held no longer than 2 seconds at the most!)

And that is how simple it is! Now you test muscles you can make many evaluations of the muscle stability around a joint. Postural Evaluation can be verified as well as many moving patterns of strain in the body.


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TYPE III

HEAVE N(TEN)

MAN

(JIN)

EARTH

(CHI))

TYPE 2

TYPE 3

Proprioceptors Type I & II joint Receptors of wyke Proprioceptors respond to Stimuli arising in the deeper Tissues particularly in the Locomotor system and Respond to muscle Movements of the joints, Changing positions of the Body co-ordination, grading Muscles contraction and Maintenance of equilibrium. The part of the body most Concerned with achieving Balance is the foot. Most Acutely aware and responsive Are the toes Type III their primary function Is to influence the trajectory Of the spine and related Structures by minute to Gross aberrant kinesiological Contraction resulting in Course corrections of the Body posture

Article head to foot By David Denton D.C. D.I.C.S Upright Mans Biped quality is our Evolutionary Best approach at no resistance to gravity and weight moving ability. Imbalance is one area affects others. Resistance is friction = disease / injury Must TYPE I Balance this not treat disease Sanshin - Heaven, Earth, Man

TYPE III

Anthropology Evolution But we still balance the Natural

WEIGHT BEARING INTEROSSEOUS LIGAMENTS

principles of man because has not changed our nature.


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PITCH, ROLL AND YAW PATTERNS

Good body integration relies on good communication of all body parts in motion. The body invests in many feedback proprioceptive reflexes to make this possible. Information is correlated from receptors in the soles of the feet, in the pelvis, head and upper cervical area, the eyes and the labyrinthine reflexes in the ears. All of this information has to be correlated before the body can function in a mechanically co-ordinated way and especially for correct reciprocal balance of the dural system between the cranium and the pelvis. The dural system is housed in the cranium and down through the spinal column through the intersegmented spinal vertebrae down to the sacrum. This allows us to move in many integrated ways through the flexibility of the spine and the stability and freedom of the four ball and socket joints of the shoulders and the hips. The cloacal reflexes monitor the parasacral and paraspinal muscles and offer stability to the spinal column and the dural system. To be able to flex the body as in sitting or squatting the cranium and pelvis need to pitch or flex and extend on each other in balance reciprocally. The ability to look behind or to spin around the cranium needs to be able to rotate on a horizontal axis around the pelvis. The act of walking requires that the iliac bones can yield in opposite directions with contralateral actions at the shoulders. This allows the sacrum to continue rocking into respiratory flexion and extension whilst the pelvis rotates around the sacrum. This action involves a YAW movement of the body. Many traumas and accidents happen from a walking attitude and most lifting strains are an abuse of the ergonomics of pitching with the spine, as in lifting a sack from the floor. To be able to identify, diagnose and correct restrictions to the dural tube and spinal dynamics we need to consider the many extrinsic factors at play. To enable us to locate muscular and ligamentous articular strains we need to build a structure/picture of where and how the trauma occurred. All of the checks involved in the Amatsu give feedback from which to build a differential diagnosis. The checks of Pitch, Roll and Yaw allow us to evaluate the relationship between the cranium and pelvis and then take them through various postural directions and check the reciprocal balance between the two.

18Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2003

Dr. Goodheart et. Al has documented these tests in Applied Kinesiology as P.R.Y.T. techniques. We present them here for clarification of the way we use them in AMATSU to build the ergonomic structure pattern of trauma. Therapy localisation is a method of body feedback utilised in Applied Kinesiology. You place the palmar surface of the testee over an affected body part i.e. sacrum. Now you test a previously contact muscle for weakening. This response tells you there is a problem with this area but requires further evaluation to accurately diagnose the imbalance. Its usefulness lies in the speed you can include or exclude an area of involvement and only constitutes a localising of the problem area. Pitch. Client can therapy localise the sacrum in the standing position and have them tilt their head forward while bending the knees, then check a previously tested intact muscle. If it weakens then pitch problem exists. Alternatively you can lay the patient supine with knees flexed and head tipped forwards and test both arms simultaneously. As before if the muscle weakens a pitch problem exists. Pitch Checking Procedure

Roll. Patient in same position supine on the couch. Turn both flexed knees one way laterally and turn the head in the opposite direction. Test for bilateral muscle response and then change knees and head to opposite sides and re-check,


Roll Checking Procedure

Yaw. This is basically the posture the body adopts as you step forwards as in walking. Place the patient prone and place a rolled towel or a Dejearnette block under the shoulder and a block under the contralateral opposite hip and test arm indicator muscle. Then reverse position of block and repeat. The hamstrings can also be used for evaluation but be sure to eliminate all underlying weaknesses in the hamstring first.

Yaw Checking Procedure The ligamentous articular lesions of Amatsu are identified by the verification of our tactile palpatory skills applied to the mechanics of the body in distortion patterns. Standard orthopaedic tests along with the muscle tests of applied Kinesiology form the basis of your clinical diagnostic procedure. With this information you should be able to build a picture of the persons postural pulls to understand its strengths and weaknesses. You can then establish the fixed points of the structure and which fulcrums are vulnerable from predictable angles.


In the body the ergonomics of the upright bipedal structure many triangular pulls are evident. In our Anma study we are interested in the muscles affecting these triangles. As muscles and ligaments work in harmony the muscular release patterns will affect the ligamentous pulls around the joints. Your postural evaluation and muscle tests will show imbalances affecting the various triangular problem areas. Your treatment plan can now focus on the affected muscles to bring about a balance. Seitai and Shinden levels work with the same triangular pulls by focussing more on the ligamentous arrangements of the joints and the visceral connections.


The major muscle involvements of the upper cervical triangles are the: Rectus Capitus Superior, Rectus Capitus posterior, oblique capitus inferior. The upper trapezius and the Sterno Clavicular mastoids. Muscle imbalances in this triangle affect the movements of the head on neck reflexes. This affects head turning and pitch, roll and yaw responses of the head and spine.

Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Or us process of axis Ins ansverse process of

Obliquus Capitis Superior

Origin: Transverse process of atlas. Insertion: Occipital bone between inferior and superior nuchal lines.

Obliquus Capitis

Superior

Obliquus Capitis Inferior

Rectus Capitis

Posterior

Upper Cervical triangle Rectus Capitis

Posterior Major

Origin: Spinous process of axis Insertion: Lateral portion of inferior nuchal line of occipital bone.

Three Dimensionaltriangle of the

(Clavicle, 1st Rib,) C7, D1

Suspensory ligament of the Pleural Dome

Copyright Dennis Bartram Februaigin: Spino

ertion: Tr

ry 2003 atlas. 22

The reciprocal action of the upper trapezius and the Sterno Cleido Mastoid muscle facilitate the main movements of head turning and nodding. These muscles are fed by the cranial nerve XI and a spinal segment nerve. At birth to six months reflexes in these muscles help the baby to organize head on neck responses and co-ordination the arms and legs to crawl homolateraly and then contralateraly to facilitate walking.

Sterno Cleido Mastoid muscle lateral view

Upper Trapezius Muscle

If this early stage of development is inhibited or at a later stage damaged, then walking movement and even behavioural problems can ensure.


Glenohumeral ligament

Subscapularis Origin: Subscfossa of scapul Insertion: Lestubercle of humand shoulder jocapsule.

Pectoral major Clavicular

Pectoral Major

Coracoacromial Ligament

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2003 Acromioclavicular Ligament

apular a.

ser erus, int

Pectoral Major (Clavicular and Sternal Origin: Clavicular: front surface of sternal half of the clavicle. Sternal: sternum and adjacent parts of upper seven ribs Insertion: top of the humerus

Sternal Sub Scapularis

Tr

3 Dimensional Triangle of Humerus, Scapula and Clavicle

24under the front edge of the deltoid.

apezoid Ligament

Conoid Ligament


Latissimus Dorsi

Origin: Spinous process of last six thoracic vertebrae, last three or four ribs, through the thoracolumbar fascia from the lumbar and sacral vertebrae and posterior 1/3 of external lip of iliac crest. A slip from the inferior angel of the Scapula. Insertion: Intertubercular groove of humerus.

Pouparts Triangle

3 Dimensional Triangle between femur head, 12th rib

and Pouparts ligament Posterior View.

3 Dimensional Triangle between (Scapula, Clavicle, 1st Rib.)

Dorsal 1 and 5th Lumbar Posterior View

Pouparts Triangle

Twelfth rib to iliac crest, continuing to pouparts ligament.

Major group of muscles affecing the Sacral Triangle.

Piriformis

Origin: Pelvic surface of sacrum between, and lateral to, 1,2,3,4, pelvic sacral foramina, margin of greater sciatic foramen and pelvic surface of sacrotuberous ligament. Insertion: Superior border of greater trochanter of femur.

Gluteus Maximus

Origin: Posterior gluteal line of ilium and portion of bone superior and posterior to it, posterior surface of lower part of sacrum, side of coccyx, aponeurosis of erector spinae, sacrotuberous ligament and gluteal aponeurosis.

Insertion: Larger proximal portion and superificial fibres of distal portion of muscle into iliotibial tract of fascia lata. Deeper fibres of distal portion into gluteal tuberosity of femur.

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Psoas Major Origin: ventral surfaces of transverse processes of all lumbar vertebrae, sides of bodies and corresponding intervertebral discs of the last thoracic and all lumbar vertebrae and membranous arches which extend over the sides of the bodies of the lumbar vertebrae. Insertion: Lesser trochanter of femur.

Iliacus

Psoas Major

Iliacus

Origin: Superior 2/3 of iliac fossa, internal lip of iliac crest, iliolumbar and ventral sacroiliac ligaments and ala of sacrum.

Insertion: Lateral side of tendon of Psoas major, and just distal to the lesser trochanter.


3 Dimensional Triangle

Anterior View

3 Dimensional Triangle Lateral view

Copyrigh ruary 2003 29t Dennis Bartram FebFemoral Triangle

Pectineus Origin: Surface of superior ramus of pubis ventral to pectin between iliopectineal eminence and pubic tubercle. Insertion: Pectineal line of femur. Adductor Magnus: Origin: Inferior pubic ramus of ischium (anterior fibres) and ischial tuberosity (posterior fibres). Insertion: Medial to gluteal tuberosity, middle of linea aspera, medial supracondylar line, and adductor tubercle of medial condyle of femur. Adductor Longus Origin: Anterior pubis at junction of crest and symphysis. Insertion: Middle third of medial lip of linea aspera. Gracilis Origin: Inferior half of symphysis pubis and medial margin of inferior ramus of the pubic bone. Insertion: Proximal part of medial surface of body of tibia, distal to condyle.

Adductor Magnus

Pectineus

Gracilis

Adductor Longus

Adductors of the Hip


The Achillies tendon alters its pull in response to pelvic imbalance and dural pulls. The calf group of muscles adapt to pelvic and walking gait problems. The Popliteus helps to maintain stability in the knee and is involved in the screw home mechanism of the knee.

SCREW HOME PRINCIPLE Although the knee is condyloid in structure, it is functionally a hinge joint because lateral movement is prevented by the menisci and the cruciate ligaments. The principal movements of the knee are, therefore, flexion and extension. It should be noted however, that rotation becomes possible when the knee is flexed. In standing with the knee fully extended, the medial condyle of the tibia moves forward on the medial femoral condyle, producing a screwing effect which makes the joint rigid and relieves the muscles of much of the strain of maintaining a standing posture. It follows, of course, that in flexion of the fully extended knee, an internal rotation has to take place first of all to unscrew the knee. This action is brought about by the popliteus muscle. The Popliteus also helps in the Venous return of blood and lymph from the lower limb..


Release tensions in the Achilles tendon grasp

between your two handand stretch out


Separate and strip

out the calf from top s 32

Gastrocnemius Origin of medial head: Proximal and posterior part of medial condyle and adjacent part of femur, capsule of knee joint. Origin of lateral head: Lateral condyle and posterior surface of femur, capsule of knee joint. Insertion: Middle part of posterior surface of calcaneus.

Popliteus Origin: Anterior part of groove on lateral condyle of femur, and oblique politeal ligament of knee joint. Insertion: Triangular area proximal to soleal line on posterior surface of tibia, and fascia covering the muscle.

Popliteus Muscle

Gastrocnemius Muscle


Posterior Longitudinal

Ligament Intertransverse Ligament

Interspinous Ligament

Superior Costotransverse

Ligament

Lateral Costotransverse

Ligaments of the Spine

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2003 34Ligament

Sacro Spinous Ligament

Sacrotuberous Ligament

Ischiofemoral Ligament

Iliofemoral Ligament

Pelvic Ligaments Posterior View

Posterior Sacroiliac Ligament

Ileolumbar Ligament


Anterior Longitudinal Ligament

4th Lumbar Vertebrae

Ileolumbar Ligaments

Anterior Sacro iliac Ligament

Sacro Tuberous Ligament

Sacrospinous Ligament

Iliofemoral ligament

PubL

Obturator Membrane Superior Pubic

Ligament

Pelvic Ligaments Anterior View

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2003 36ofemoral igament

Sacro

Origin ofsacrotuberpart of tub Origin oflinea assupracondintermusc Insertion:fibula, latfascia on l

Origin: tendon cobiceps fem Insertion:surface ofascia of l

S

Origin: proximal and Semit Insertion:medial co

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2003 37 tuberous Ligament

Biceps Femoris

long head: Distal part of ous ligament, and posterior erosity of ishchim

Short Head: lateral lip of pera, proximal 2/3 of ylar line, and lateral ular septum.

Lateral side of head of eral condyle of tibia, deep ateral side of leg.

Semitendinosus

Tuberosity of ischium by mmon with long head of oris.

Proximal part of medial f body of tibia, and deep eg.

emimembranosus

tuberosity of ischuim, and lateral to Biceps femoris endinosus.

Posteromedial aspect of ndyle of tibia.

To Come From the Heart through the Thumb

In Anmajutsu we use a variety of body parts to push, pull and align the client. A great emphasis is placed on the thumb as both its afferent and efferent nerve connections with the brain are richly innervated. In this visual representation of the nerve distribution of the body the different points are drawn to the size of their proportionate distribution. You can see that the thumb and the jaw area receive a lot of nerve activity. As humans evolved upright stature and hand dexterity the emphasis from the jaw being purely the predatory attaching tool would share with the hand. Thumb opposition with the other fingers of the hand allowed us to develop Ningu and dexterity, which is unique to Human beings.


Ningu Tools of the Hands

Reinforced Finger


Anmajutsu

Squeezing tissue or fingers or toes

Squeezing on the trapezius muscle


Gripping, Squeezing

Anmajutsu

Vibratory and Percussion Techniques

Example of 1 point pressure

Thumb Pushing


Percussive techniques for the spine

Anmajutsu Ki Pushing

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2Kneading and stretching the

spine and Ligaments

003 43

Anmajutsu

Stroking across Muscle fibres

Stroking

Thumb Kneading

Copyright Dennis Bar tram February 2003 44

Anmajutsu

M.A. Rubbing

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 200 Grasping-Twisting

Percussion, Tapotement, Cupping

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AMPUKA

Ampuka is the Anma of the organs. It helps to tone up the organs and stimulate the peristaltic movements of digestion and elimination.

The Colon begins at the lower right quadrant of the pelvis attached by the Periato-cecal ligaments and the ligament of Clyette. It ascends up to the hepatic flexure where it turns under the liver. It continues in a transverse direction across the abdomen to the turn at the splenic side and then descends into the left lower quadrant.

Our Anma follows its direction with a firm stroking action up along the ascending

n. In the transverse section we use our thumbs to break up adhesions and tensions between the liver and stomach.

In the descending section we utilize a palm heel stroke to encourage elimination. With constipation we use our KEN fist to ascend upwards along the sigmoid section pushing backwards with each stroke.

LIVER The liver is a large organ with many important functions in the body. Only its lower right lobe is accessible. With the thumb we stroke the underside of the liver to free off any tightness and restrictions. The liver responds well to Ampuka squeezing. Start by holding the ribcage from the right side front and back between ribs seven and ten. Now you can squeeze the liver as you gently compress the ribs together between our hands. y

Copyrig sectio

ht Dennis Bartram February 2003 46

KIDNEYS

The kidneys are placed deep in the abdomen but are accessible from the rear. Our purpose is to free off restrictions around the kidney and stimulate the tone of the organ. First step is to strip the area with your knuckles for the iliac crest to the twelfth rib. The elbow can also be used for this technique. Then with the person sitting, you contact the anterior and posterior aspects and gently squeeze the organs. Third stage is Tapotement on the posterior aspect of the organ.

STOMACH Is a hollow organ when empty and its junction with the eosophagus as it passes through the diaphragm is a common site of tension. Our purpose is to free up its connections on the medial side with the liver and stretch downwards its connection at the diaphragm. With the client lying supine you hold the liver still with your left hand while the right hand themar pad gently stretches and separates its connections on its medial side with the liver. Then with your thumbs you gently stretch dowarea of the xiphoid section of the sternum.

Copyright Dennis Bartram February 2003 nwards at the neck of the stomach in the

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APPENDIX NINGU Hatsumi describes Ningu as tools of subtle perseverance. It indicates the fundamental substance that brings forth all things of this universe. There is inherently no limit to the Ningu. In Amatsu its importance is the dexterity of the tools we make from our limbs. KYO Emptiness non-existence absence falsehood unprepared ness opening void weakness. JITSU Fullness existence presence truth preparedness blockness substance seed wealth content. HI CHI BU KU GOSHIN JUTSU School of the protection of the Self and Spirit. Techniques include breathing, mind development and walking. SHIN GI TAI ICHI Unifying Body-Mind-Spirit and technique as one. Important attitude for one point healing. SAKKI JUTSU The art of perceiving energy! The importance of understanding. Its use in Amatsu is manual and thermal diagnosis. SHIN DEN A Heartfelt congruence between two people. The attitude of coming from your Heart. TAI JUTSU The Natural Movement that moulds the body into a form to function from while treating. TAI KYOKU To return to the innocence of man. Simplest form of Natural Movement. (Tai Chi Chuan in Chinese). NAGARE The interplay of natural principles in a flow. Natures principles of movement of Air and Water. KAPPO In applying Amatsu principles you need to have a pure heart. This develops from having a balanced approach to life. Revive the naturalness in the person not the unwell ness brought about by his loss of nature. Help them and teach them to live. This feeling


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is called Kappo and is the instinct of nature. Hatsumi sensei explains that Amatsu is just another aspect of medicine with Kappo as its essence. GAIA The Spirit of the Earth. Sensing the Big Picture SWITCHING Disorganised neurology of the body. Messages crossing the Corpus Collosum in the brain lose integration. This leads to lack of concentration. A one-brain stress type of intellect and uncoordinated movement patterns. SHIN DEN JUTSU In this aspect of Amatsu the practitioner learns from a congruent heart to apply therapeutic pressure through the thumb. KYUSHU A critical point for change in the body. Its more than just a lesion, it encompasses a three dimensional shape that can affect many bodily functions. KIHON HAPPO A basic movement pattern that allows movement in eight directions. SANCHIN The bringing together of two points to form a third, like a tripod moving multi-directionally without any apparent point of control. Any one point can control the whole with the ability to focus your intent upon any or the whole.

TEN CHI JIN Areas of heaven, earth and man, in the body these translate as head, pelvis and feet. The feet Chi Earth, the sacrum Jin Man and the cranium Ten heaven area. KYU JUTSU Substantial, insubstantial. TENSEGRITY


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An architectural system in which Structures stabilise themselves by balancing the counter acting forces of compression and tension Gives shape and strength to both Natural and artificial forms. The cyto skeleton of a living cell is a framework composed of Interconnecting microtubules and filaments PRESTRESS A situation within a structure Where even before one of these structural members is subjected to an external force. All the structural members are already in tension and compression! That is they are prestressed!


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NOTES:


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Notes:

Students/muscle testing

amatsu’s natural movement

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