The purpose of restoration therapy is to assist and stimulate the natural healing processes of the human body through deep tissue massage therapy. The treatment, known as the general procedure, accomplishes this by restoring the natural flow of chi, balancing the body and spirit, stimulating energy and centering the body. The principle applied during this restoration procedure is similar to what occurs during exercise of the body. The muscle tissues are "torn down", fibers separate through vigorous use and new growth results in a stronger, healthier muscle. Scar tissue, calcium, bruising and other impurities deposited in the soft tissue are also broken down and disposed of by the body through its natural cleansing processes.

Most massage therapy methodologies maintain that the massage movement should be toward the heart. This technique, however, will cause the therapist to work against the natural flow of energy and chi of the subject’s body and is diametrically opposed to the principles of the Kenpo Restorative Arts. Kenpo Restoration Therapy procedures dictate that the therapist will always follow the natural flow of energy in the human body, which is from top to bottom. It is also necessary that the therapist position themselves so that the energy from their own body flows with that of their subject, and not against or across.

Restoration therapy is a process whereby the therapist enjoins the flow of energy and chi with the subject while administering treatment. Therefore, the therapist should be in good health and of good mental state. The therapist should not attempt to treat a subject when the therapist is ill, angry or exhausted. The health of both the therapist and the subject are placed at risk under such conditions.

Each state has their own laws and regulations regarding the professional standards required of massage therapists. Before offering professional services as a massage therapist it would be prudent for the therapist to become familiar with the laws of the state in which they conduct business.

If the therapist is simply conducting an aspect of the martial arts, which in fact the true purpose of the Kenpo Restoration Arts, then this can usually be done under the authority of the business license that permits the operation of the professional martial arts school. Under these circumstances it is necessary to make clear that the procedures being administered are the practice of a martial art and not the operation of a "massage parlor". Either way it would be prudent to ascertain the nature of the law regarding these matters in the state where the school business is being conducted.

In California, in order to conduct a massage business the Business and Professions Code requires the therapist to submit an application, be fingerprinted and mug shot by the police and complete a successful background investigation. This is all due to the secondary sexual connotations and associated illegal activities connected to the massage parlor business.

When preparing to administer the general procedure to a subject the therapist must begin by washing their hands and arms thoroughly. Clean linen should be placed on the treatment table for each subject. Most therapists simply have the subject bring two clean towels to the treatment session. Choose a location for the treatment where it is warm and comfortable for the subject.

It is important before beginning treatment to get a medical history and specific complaint from the subject. It is especially important to know if the subject has had previous injuries, surgeries or is under the care of a physician. The therapist should ascertain if the complaint is due to traumatic injury, stress or simply "sleeping on it wrong". It is a good idea to keep a record of the subject’s complaints and the treatments administered.

Examine the subject and the specific area of complaint. Check for indications of traumatic injury, such as bruising, redness or discoloration. If injury is indicated it may be necessary to refer the subject to their physician prior to undertaking any course of treatment. Use the fingertips to examine the area of complaint for knots or muscular spasm. Remember that often times the location of the pain is remote from the muscular spasm. Take note of the type of body to be treated. A large muscular subject will require more pressure, while a small person or a person lacking muscle tone will require less pressure and greater care to avoid injuring the subject.

Adjust the treatment surface to the proper height to accommodate the subject. The therapist will need to be able to comfortably reach the subject without having to over reach. Proper body alignment and posture is essential to the administration of effective treatment.

Place the subject face down on the treatment surface with the head facing to the left. Position the subject’s head so that their left ear aligns with their spinal cord. This will be necessary only if the therapist treatment surface is not equipped with a face cradle. Place the subject’s arms at their side and gently push their shoulders down in the direction of their hips. Make sure the subject is comfortable.

Kenpo Healing Art procedures require that treatment be always begun on the left side of the subject body. This is because the left side is what is referred to as the "receiving" side of the body. Most of the lymphatic system is located on the left side of the body and as a result most of the toxins and impurities collect on the left. Beginning on the left side the therapist promotes lymphatic activity stimulating the body’s immune system. This will also promote the release of toxins that may have reservoired due to constriction of the lymph system by muscular knots or spasms. The release of toxins can cause unpleasant odors to be expelled on the subject’s breath or through perspiration.

During the procedure it is important to keep the hand not being use to provide treatment in constant contact with the subject. When the therapist is going to change treatment hands, both hands should be applied to the subject before releasing one. This serves to ground the therapist to the subject creating a complete circuit through which the energy of the subject and therapist can flow together unimpeded thereby maximizing the healing capabilities of the Chi. Continual contact with the subject also takes away some of the anticipation as to when the therapist is about to apply pressure. This is particularly important when the subject is in intense pain or has been suffering for some period of time.

Apply massage liniment only to the area to be immediately treated. Liniment should be applied to the specific area to be treated, as the skin will absorb the oil by the time the therapist reaches the next area.

Standing at the head of the table with the left hand on the subjects right shoulder, with the right forearm at about the wrist slide into the trapezius near the neck, taking the slack out of the muscle while sliding two thirds of the way up toward your elbow. With the wrist relaxed and the hand partly open, maintain pressure and begin a rocking motion while fanning toward the left shoulder. Be careful not to work across the bones of the shoulder. Release and repeat five to six times.

Move to the left side of the subject standing at the shoulder. Using the right forearm three inches above the elbow, perform an ironing motion rocking gently across the scapula from top to bottom. The scapula is a thin bone and only moderate pressure should be used. Repeat five to six times.

This is just a sample of our Instruction Manual. Please note that photographs in our manual are Black and White.