Seated acupressure massage (sometimes called on-site massage) is based on the traditional Japanese acupressure technique called 'anma'. Anma is Japanese for 'press and rub' and this therapy aims to stimulate the acupressure points in the head, neck, shoulders and spine and lower back.

Unlike acupuncture, seated acupressure massage does not use needles. Instead, the therapist uses his or her hands to stimulate the energy points which can be found all along the meridians, or energy lines, of the body. The therapist uses a specific sequence of movements, which are designed to improve the flow of energy throughout the body and balance and strengthen the body’s muscular, circulatory and nervous systems.

Throughout the treatment, the client, fully dressed, sits facing forward in a ergonomically designed massage chair. As the client relaxes and rests their chin and forehead on a thickly padded platform designed for the purpose, the therapist uses their hands and fingers to apply pressure to the acupressure points on the client’s head, neck, shoulders, upper arms and spine. The sequence of movements (called a kata) takes about twenty minutes from start to finish, and leaves the client feeling relaxed, refreshed and energised.