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 J apan 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 J apan and was refined
into the J apanese methods. In J apan 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 J apanese
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:

J unetsu 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
J utsu. 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 J utsu. 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 J utsu 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 J utsu 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
J utsu. This became a school of mind development and breathing exercises for self
management as well as practitioner based principles.

IN J APANESE 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
control 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.

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

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

By understanding the physiological adaption from the success of these attacks
techniques of Anatomical significance developed.

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

9

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 J utsu 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 J apans 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.


10
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 J apan 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.

11
The study of the principles of TEN CHI J IN (Heaven, Earth and Man) allowed
ancient people to understand the interplay of natural factors that influence our
environment.


12
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 adaption is known as switching and it is important to clear these adaptions
prior to muscle test evaluation.

Its use in Amatsu repatterning is important as the balance and integration of the of the
walking body is paramount.

When a person is switched, muscle tests, energy tests and other evaluations can be
masked or show incongruerence with other diagnostic factors.

To prepare your client for Amatsu evaluation its our policy to evaluate the switch
points to bring the neurology to a neutral balance.

This procedure not only saves time and gives a clearer evaluation but starts the
process of organisation to reintegrate moving patterns of the body.

SWITCH POINTS
The main points used for switching protocol are shown in the illustration A & B.

B A
Start by contacting the umbilicus with a finger contact of hand. With the other hand
rub points K27 bilaterally for about ten seconds, then CV1 and GV1 found on the
upper and lower lips.

Then contact the tip of the coccyx with one finger and the umbilicus with the other
and rub for about ten seconds.


13
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.

J ust 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

14
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. J ust 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.

15

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.


16

TYPE III
HEAVE N
(TEN)
MA
N
(J IN)
EART
H
(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.


17
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.

18 Copyright 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

Origin: Spinous process of axis

Insertion: Transverse process of atlas.
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 Dimensional
triangle of the
(Clavicle, 1
st
Rib,)
C7, D1
Suspensory
ligament of the
Pleural Dome
Copyright Dennis BartramFebruary 2003
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.

23
Glenohumeral
ligament
Acromioclavicular
Ligament
Subscapularis

Origin: Subscapular
fossa of scapula.

Insertion: Lesser
tubercle of humerus,
and shoulder joint
capsule.
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
under the front edge of the
deltoid.
Pectoral major
Clavicular
Pectoral Major
Sternal
Sub Scapularis
Coracoacromial
Ligament
Trapezoid Ligament
Conoid Ligament
3 Dimensional Triangle of Humerus,
Scapula and Clavicle
24


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, 12
th
rib
and Pouparts ligament
Posterior View.
between (Scapula,
Clavicle, 1
st
Rib.)
Dorsal 1 and 5
th
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.
26
Copyright Dennis BartramFebruary 2003 26

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
Lateral view
Copyrigh ruary 2003 29 t Dennis Bartram Feb
Femoral 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..


Separate and strip
out the calf from top
Release tensions in the
Achilles tendon grasp
between your two hands
and stretch out

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
Ligament
Ligaments of the Spine


Sacro Spinous
Ligament
Sacrotuberous
Ligament
Ischiofemoral
Ligament
Iliofemoral
Ligament
Pelvic Ligaments Posterior View
Posterior
Sacroiliac
Ligament
Ileolumbar
Ligament
Anterior Longitudinal
Ligament
4
th
Lumbar
Vertebrae
Ileolumbar
Ligaments
Anterior Sacro
iliac Ligament
Sacro
Tuberous
Ligament
Sacrospinous
Ligament
Iliofemoral
ligament
Pubofemoral
Ligament
Obturator
Membrane
Superior
Pubic
Ligament
Pelvic Ligaments Anterior View

Sacro tuberous Ligament
Biceps Femoris

Origin of long head: Distal part of
sacrotuberous ligament, and posterior
part of tuberosity of ishchim

Origin of Short Head: lateral lip of
linea aspera, proximal 2/3 of
supracondylar line, and lateral
intermuscular septum.

Insertion: Lateral side of head of
fibula, lateral condyle of tibia, deep
fascia on lateral side of leg.

Semitendinosus

Origin: Tuberosity of ischium by
tendon common with long head of
biceps femoris.

Insertion: Proximal part of medial
surface of body of tibia, and deep
fascia of leg.

Semimembranosus

Origin: tuberosity of ischuim,
proximal and lateral to Biceps femoris
and Semitendinosus.

Insertion: Posteromedial aspect of
medial condyleof 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
Kneading and
stretching the
spine and
Ligaments

Anmajutsu
Stroking across Muscle
fibres
Stroking
Thumb Kneading


Anmajutsu
M.A. Rubbing Grasping-Twisting
Percussion, Tapotement, Cupping


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
section. 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
your hands.


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 downwards at the neck of the stomach in the
area of the xiphoid section of the sternum.


47

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

48
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 J in Man and the cranium Ten heaven area.

KYU JUTSU
Substantial, insubstantial.

TENSEGRITY

49
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!


50

NOTES:

51
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