AOBTA
American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia    (www.aobta.org)

Bodywork
Broader term used to describe different styles of massage related arts that are applied to the body for healing purposes.

Chakra
From the Sanskrit for "wheel"- energy centers on the body. There are seven main chakras.

Energy Healing
Any modality focusing on the use of the human energy field for healing. They are non physical in nature and done with light touch or off the body. Some examples are Reiki, Cranial Sacral Therapy, chelations, and chakra work.

Meridian
Pathway(s) of energy that run all over the body. Each meridian has a physical, physiological, emotional/psychological aspect.

Metaphysical
Beyond the boundaries of physical matter and laws.

NCBTMB
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork    (www.ncbtmc.com)

Qi / Chi
Translated as "energy". The force that surrounds us, flows through us and binds us to the universe. Japanese = Qi or Ki, Chinese = Chi, Indian = Prana, Western = Life Force.

Quantum Shiatsu
A style of Shiatsu developed by Pauline Sasaki that is based on Zen Shiatsu and incorporates the chakras and use of our subtle energy fields for harmonizing the body, mind, and spirit.

Reiki
Focused placement of hands on the body. A style of energy work with Japanese origins.

Shiatsu
Literally meaning, "finger pressure". Shiatsu is a Japanese system of healing and health maintenance based on the body's natural energy called Qi.

SI Joint
Sacroiliac Joint; articulation where sacrum and hips meet at base of the spine.

TMJ
Temporalmandibular Joint; a hinged joint located on either side of the face in front of the ear where the lower jaw connects with the temporal bone(s) of the skull.

Usui Method
Style of Reiki developed by Dr. Mikao Usui at turn of the 19th century.

Zen Shiatsu
A style of Shiatsu, developed by Shizuto Masunaga, focusing on the meridian system rather than specific points. It is dynamic in nature as it includes an assessment of body energetics in order to tailor each session to the receivers specific needs.