Seifukujutsu Notes
by Richard Rickerts

The following notes were widely disseminated by Prof. Richard Rickerts. Editorial changes have been made to the original document to conform with proper romanization of the Japanese names. 

Thanks to David Scheid for providing this information in electronic format.

For authoritative training in Seifukujutsu, contact the Kodenkan Jujitsu and Restoration.

Special Note: The following restoration descriptions are provided for historic purposes only. A qualified physician should be consulted for any health concerns. Also, many of these techniques have been improved over the years by modern methods. There is no substitute for personal instruction.

Seifukujutsu (Restorative Massage)  

Compiled by Richard P. Rickerts  

Restorative Masseur and Jujutsu Instructor Army & Navy Y.M.C.A. Honolulu, T.H.   (Circa 1938)


Restorative massage has been practiced in Japan for over twelve hundred years, and has proved to have very successful results in the following disorders. (for history of massage, refer to Kellogg's “Art of Massage”.)

Prof. Henry S. Okazaki is the foremost exponent of Restorative Massage in America. He is located at 801 S. Hotel Street in Honolulu, T.H. The name restorative is the nearest interpretation of the Japanese Seifukujutsu. The practitioner of this Art in Japan is entitled to the same rank as Doctor. It is a combination of Massage, Chiropractic and Osteopathy, reducing and care of bone fractures, dislocations, sprains, etc.

His name and fame is world wide, with patients coming to him from all parts of the world for relief of so-called incurable nerve and muscular diseases. In diagnosing, his sensitive hands go over the entire body, finding the cause with uncanny accuracy. His first step is to apply a hot pack made by a secret formula, which has remarkable penetrative and curative results; this is followed by restorative massage as outlined in the following pages. He seldom spends over ten minutes on a massage, maintaining that over-massage does more harm than good. He is also a believer and uses psychic and suggestive healing in conjunction with massage.

Restorative Massage is divided into four age groups, as follows:

To be a successful practitioner of restorative massage, a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology is imperative; also pathology, dietetics and psychology.

Books necessary to the Restorative Masseur are:


 1. Ganbyō Enshō (Eye Inflammation):

General circulation massage. Deep massage with both elbow and finger tips to loosen muscles in back and side of neck close to base of skull, thereby releasing unnatural pressure to controlling nerves and stimulate sympathetic nerves to eye, nose, etc. Massage forehead over eyes, and muscles surrounding eyes, nose and face.

Kellogg writes (page 51):
Diseases of the eye and ear: Muscular Asthenia (weakness of muscles), glaucoma (hardening of eyeball, preceding blindness), Corneal Ulcer, Corneal Opacity (dull, impervious to light) and various other affections of the eye have been successfully treated by massage.

(P. 142) Massage of the eye was first suggested by Donders. The writer first saw it applied by Landolt, of Paris. It has been found to be useful in ulceration and cloudiness of the cornea, hypopyon (pus in anterior chamber of the eye), and in the early stage of glaucoma. Massage of the eye increases the vascularity of the eye and encourages drainage.

Riebmeyr noted that when massaging one eye, the other eye became, during the first minute, dilated; second minute, contracted, while in the third minute, the pupil of the eye massaged became smaller than the other, showing that massage of the eye, through reflex action, affects the controlling nerve centers as well as the eye itself.

Massage of the eye must be applied with very great delicacy of touch. Proceed as follows: have the patient close his eye; place the fingers of the hand upon the temple a short distance from the orbit, and tip of the thumb upon the upper lid of the closed eye. Make gentle rotary movements, gradually increasing the pressure, but taking care that it be not so great as to cause pain. Patients whose eyesight is impaired often remark that they are able to see better after the application.
 

2. Gankyū Kin Niku Enshō  (Eye Muscles Inflammation):

Use same procedure as in #1, with the addition of hot applications. Massage should be very gentle over inflamed are. (For Swedish Massage, refer to #1).

3. Bi Shitsu  (Nasal Disorders):

In many cases of nasal disorders, the following massage is very effective in relieving and curing the disorder.
General circulation massage. Deep massage with both elbow and finger tips to muscles in back and side of neck, close to base of skull, thereby releasing muscle pressure on nerves to nose and at the same time stimulating them. Massage the upper and front and side of nose gently, but deep with the fingertips.

Kellogg writes (page 51):
Acute and chronic nasal catarrh is improved under careful applications of massage to the face and neck.

(P. 279) ATROPHIC RHINITIS (Shrinking and inflammation of the mucous membrane): Weightman (Post-Graduate, August, 1907) treats atrophic rhinitis by massage of the inferior turbinate (bones of the nose). treatment should be applied twice a week by gently stroking the inferior turbinate with an applicator carrying a pledget of cotton soaked in Dobell’s solution. Patients are all instructed to keep their nostrils clear of crusts by the free use, at least three times per day, of diluted Dobell’s solution. (DOBELL’S SOLUTION - a solution of borax, sodium bicarbonate and phenol in glycerol and water; it us used as a spray for nasal troubles, also throat.)

4. Shitsū  (Toothache Massage):

General circulation massage. Massage shoulder muscle, back of neck, jawbone, up and down along the jawbone line with the fingertips. Kiai may be used also. If it doesn't stop with treatment, then the cause must be an abscess, or something deep inside the root of the tooth.

5. Domori  (Stutter Massage):

General circulation massage. Deep massage with the elbow and fingertips from the 7th vertebrae to the 5th dorsal; this is very painful to the patient, but do not go easy because he cries or groans. Also, massage muscles around the mouth and under the tongue with the fingertips, and inside and outside the teeth and lower jaw.

6. Hentō Sen  (Tonsillitis):

General circulation massage. Deep digital massage to supraspinatus muscle, and from the center of collarbone to under the jawbone, side of neck and front side of neck to a point in line with the angle of the jawbone, and deep finger stroking from the back of the ear to the cheek.

7. Koto En  (Larynx Constriction):

General circulation massage. Deep digital massage to suprasinatus muscle, and from the center of collarbone to under the jawbone, side of neck and front side of neck to a point in line with the angle of the jawbone, and deep finger stroking from the back of the ear to the cheek.

Kellogg writes (page 143):
This measure is especially valuable in chronic disease of the Larynx, particularly in cases in which the vocal chords are relaxed or in which there is weakness of voice from insufficient development of the laryngeal muscles. The object aimed at in massage of the larynx is to relieve congestion, if it exists; to improve the blood and lymph circulation, stimulate nutrition, and thus strengthen the muscles and the nerve supply of the part.

The following are the most useful procedures:

Friction strokes are intermingled with the other measures.

8. Zen Soku  (Asthma Massage):

General circulation massage. Deep massage to muscles of back and neck, to base of skull, middle of back close to the spinal column, abdominal massage, and deep digital massage to back of and below collarbone, and upper part of chest, and gentle digital massage to throat and nose.

9. Zu Tsū  (Headache):

General circulation massage. Deep massage to muscles close to spine from sacrum to base of skull, scalp massage, digital massage to neck muscles. Adjust neck vertebrae. Apply pressure to skull.

10. Mimi Nari  (Tinnitus - Noise in the Ears):

General circulation massage. Massage muscles from sacrum to base of skull, close to spine (deep massage with elbows), digital massage to side of nose and cheek and around the ear. Pull ear and dig finger into ear to spread opening. Scalp massage and abdominal massage will aid considerably in correcting this condition.

Kellogg writes (page 51):
Certain forms of deafness, particularly deafness due to catarrhal disease of the Eustachian tubes, may be not only temporarily relieved but permanently benefited by massage of the ear, neck and throat.

11. Chiku No Shū  (Abscess in Nose - Empyema):

This is generally in the cheek just below the eye and close to the nose. General circulation massage, digital massage to both sides of skull, and external and internal massage to abscess area.

This same massage is very effective in many cases of hay fever.

12. Seki Tome  (Stop a Chronic Cough - Bronchitis):

General circulation massage. Deep massage to back between should blades and digital massage to the chest above and below the collarbones, and also abdominal massage.

Kellogg writes (pages 49-50, see also pages 103 & 175):
Massage is of value in various forms of pulmonary disease, especially in chronic pleurisy accompanied by serious exudate. Poliakow reports most excellent results in the treatment of cases of pleurisy with exudation, absorption having taken place in eight to twenty days in each of the ten cases treated by the method.

13. Ichō Byō  (Stomach, Intestines):

General circulation massage. Deep massage to back from 7th dorsal vertebrae to end of spine. Massage to scalp and back of neck; in massage of legs, give thorough massage to muscles on the outer front side of legs. Abdominal massage and deep elbow to four points of colon, and deep stimulation to hypogastric plexus on either side of naval.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Therapeutic Applications of Abdominal Massage in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”, pages 107-117.

14. Ikaku Chō  (Stomach Ulcers - Gastrectasis):

General circulation massage. Light massage to abdomen and left side. Deep massage to muscles on outer front side of legs. In abdominal massage be careful of causing too much pain.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Kellogg's as in previous massage.

15. Chū Bū  (Paralysis - Stroke):

General circulation massage, deep massage at affected areas, and nerve stimulation, hot applications. There are four common causes of stroke:

Swedish Method:
Refer to Paralysis and Paresis in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”, pages 44, 56 and 78.

16. Hifu Byo  (Skin Disease - Acne):

In many cases of excessively pimpled skin, the condition is due to muscular contraction exerting pressure on the skin nerves.
General circulation massage. Deep and vigorous massage to back in lumbar region, close to the spine and base of neck, following a steam or electric cabinet bath. Advise taking of cathartics and drinking freely of fresh water between meals.

17. Rokkan Shinkeitsu  (Intercostal Neuralgia):

Inflammation of the nerves between the ribs. General circulation massage with the elbow close to the spine. Digital massage between the ribs while inhaling and exhaling; stroke away from the spine while inhaling and towards the spine while exhaling.

Swedish Method:
Refer to diseases of Nervous System in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”, pages 45-46.

18. No Shinkei Sui Jaku  (Cranial Nerve Disorder):

Men: A weakness or disorder of the cranial nerves may cause insanity, hysterics, fits of rage, etc. Caused by marital troubles, insecurity, worry, high blood pressure, constipation, syphilis, injury to the brain through blows, etc.

Women: Martial troubles, insecurity, high blood pressure, pregnancy, menstruation, disorders, constipation, activity too soon after childbirth and change of life periods.

Find cause and treat accordingly; if mental, give advice and sympathetic talks; if possible, advise psychological treatments. General circulation massage. Have patient drink freely of fresh water. Six to fifteen weeks of daily treatments are necessary to affect recovery.

19. Zakotsu Shinkeitsu  (Sciatica):

Hot applications to lower back and on buttock over the sciatic nerve foramen. General circulation massage. Deep elbow massage to muscles surrounding sciatic foramen; joint movements, stretching and flexing the legs in all directions and circumduction.

20. Kata Kori  (Muscle Congestion/Muscle Bound - Spinatus):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Deep massage to affected muscles. Care must be taken not to over massage as this will aggravate the condition.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Diseases of the Muscular System in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”, pages 44-45.

21. Fumin Shō  (Insomnia):

General circulation massage. Stoke skull, deep massage to back of neck between shoulder blades. Also, deep massage to front of feet and nerve pressure to foot following thorough foot massage and pulling of toes.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Insomnia in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”, page 122.

22. Ko Ketsu Atsu Shō  (High Blood Pressure):

General circulation massage. Stroke up the front of the face, down to the back of the head towards the shoulders. Massage arms and legs towards extremities and give laxatives enough to have two or three bowel movements per day.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Heart Diseases, pages 159-164, and Massage for Weak Hearts, page 160 in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”.

23. Kata no Itami  (Lame Shoulders):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Poultice applications at night and laxatives to promote free bowel movements. Causes are bruises, twisted muscles and over work.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Diseases of Muscular System in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”, pages 44-45.

24. Kaze  (Chronic Colds):

Hot cabinet or steam baths, and laxatives. General circulation massage. Applications of suitable salves to nose, throat, chest, forehead and back of neck. Correct diet.

25. Hatsu Netsu  (High Fever):

Immerse legs in hot water to a depth just above the knees. Keep in hot water approximately 20 minutes, gradually increasing the temperature of the water; change to ice water for five minutes. (Body should be wrapped in blankets during foot bath.) Give light massage (general circulation). Treatments should be given twice per day. It seldom takes over two days to affect recovery.

Swedish Method:
Refer to page 50 in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”.

26. Himan Shō  (Obesity):

Electric cabinet or steam baths and exercise. General circulation massage. Deep massage to the digestive area, so as to cause these muscles to congest; and cathartics. Also, strict adherence to proper diet.

27. Soyō  (Spinal Disorders):

General circulation massage. Deep massage to muscles close to the spine. Deep breathing exercises, hot applications, keep bowels free and drink freely of fresh water between meals.

Swedish Method:
Refer to page 37 in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”.

28. Benpi  (Constipation):

General circulation massage. Deep massage to muscles close to the spine on lower part of back. Deep elbow or digital massage to colon, stimulation of Aortic and Solar Plexus, palmar stroking of abdomen (counter clockwise). Massage should be administered once per day. Correct diet.

29. Nyō Shaku  (Subnormal Urine - Urinary Calculus):

Hot applications to back, from middle of back to the sacrum and over bladder. General circulation massage. Deep massage to lumbar region, sacrum and groin.

30. Hai Nyō Kata Shō  (Diuresis):

Refer to directions following #29.

31. Kin Niku Keirin  (Muscle Twitching):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Deep massage to muscles creating pressure to nerve of twitching muscles. If on the lower part of the leg, bathe or soak feet in hot water to well above the knees.

32. Shinkei Ryūmachi  (Neuritis):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Knead and wring muscles near affected area. Cathartics; and drink freely of fresh water.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Diseases of the Nervous System in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”, pages 45-46.

33. Kin Niku Ryūmachi  (Muscular Rheumatism):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Apply joint movements. Keep bowels free, drink fresh water freely. Sometimes there is a shifting of the pain from one area to another in this type of rheumatism.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Muscular Rheumatism, page 79 and 153 in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”.

34. Kansetsu Ryūmachi  (Rheumatoid Arthritis):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Deep massage to muscles near affected area. DO NOT give joint movements as it will likely cause fever. Keep bowels free.

35. Kansetsu Enshō  (also Tsufu; Gout):

In Gout affecting the feet and ankles; soak in hot water with sea-weed, Epsom salts, etc., electric cabinet baths. General circulation massage (but not to inflamed area while it is sensitive). Keep the bowels free, drink water freely and refer to diet outline in Ralston's’ “Be Your Own Doctor”.

36. Kobu Ko Choku  (Congested Spinal Muscles):

General circulation massage following hot applications. Massage affected muscles from both ends at the same time. This condition is generally the result of colds or overwork. Keep bowels free and drink water freely.

37. Mune Itami  (Sore Chest):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Deep massage to back, between shoulder blades and digital massage between the ribs.

Swedish Method:
Refer to page 49 in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”.

38. Seiki  (Sore Back, Hip Thighs - Lumbago):

Hot applications to both front and back of affected area. General circulation massage. Deep massage to affected areas. Keep bowels free.

39. Sentsu  (Abdominal Cramps - Colic):

General circulation massage. Deep digital massage to head, back of neck and spine. Keep bowels free.

Swedish Method:
Refer to page 107 in Kellogg's “Art of Massage”.

40. Chikata No Yamai  (Female Disorders):

Menstruation disorders resulting in dizziness, fainting spells, hysteria, etc. Hot applications to entire back, back of neck and feet. Apply general circulation massage and deep massage to back in lumbar region and head massage. Keep bowels free. Leg and joint manipulations.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Kellogg's Pelvic Massage, pages 128 to 140. See also, Disorders of the Pelvic Organs, page 48.

41. Kansetsu Dakkyū  (Dislocations):

Hot packs not necessary if reset immediately following dislocation. After setting give general circulation massage and apply poultice to reduce inflammation. Keep bowels free and massage daily until well.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Kellogg's Sprains and Fractures on pages 51 and 151-153.

42. Sei Kotsu  (Bone Setting):

Set bone as soon as possible after fracture and apply splints. Keep bowels free and drink freely of fresh water. Remove splints on second day, examine carefully to make sure of proper set. General circulation massage. Massage as close to fracture as can be safely done. Re-splint and massage daily until well.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Kellogg's Sprains and Fractures on pages 51 and 242.

43. Kanzō Byō  (Diabetes, Liver Ailments):

Hot applications to back between shoulder blades. General circulation massage. Deep massage to back as far down as sacrum and digital massage stroking away from spine. Abdominal massage. Keep bowels free and drink water freely. Treatments should be give daily.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Kellogg's Disease of Liver on pages 46 and 275.

44. Jinzō  (Inflamed Kidneys):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Digital stroking away from spine near kidney area. Abdominal massage. Keep bowels free and drink fresh water freely.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Kellogg's Renal Disease, page 47.

45. Kogun Byō  (also In-i; Male Sexual Impotence):

Hot applications to lower back and sacrum and over bladder. General circulation massage. Deep digital massage to sacrum, groin and prostate. Stretch scrotum and gentle palmar massage to abdomen over the bladder.

46. Ashi Kibisu Shu  (Swollen Ankle):

When caused by poor circulation, soak the feet in hot sea-weed water. General circulation massage. Deep massage to affected areas, joint movements. Keep bowels free, etc. Advise proper exercise to relieve condition.

47. Hiza Shu  (Sore/Swollen Knee):

If caused by slight dislocation, reset. Apply hot applications, general circulation massage, and digital massage to above and below injury.
In case of dislocation of the knee joint (generally referred to as “football knee”), it can be restored by jarring it into place with a cloth wrapped block of wood held against the inner side of the knee while the leg is held in position resting against your abdomen and striking the clock sharply with a hammer, the action of resetting can be felt by the contact of your abdomen to the knee. Splint and apply poultice for at least 24 hours and massage entire leg several days in succession.

48. Sekizui Shu  (Deviated Spine):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Deep massage near affected area. After several treatments stretch joints affected and give deep breathing exercises.

Swedish Method:
Refer to Kellogg's Spinal Curvatures, page 49.

49. Yozui Shu  (Sore Spine, Waist):

Hot applications. General circulation massage. Light massage near affected areas. Apply poultice to reduce inflammation.

50. Daboku Shū  (Bone Bruises):

If treating immediately after injury, massage surrounding area towards the bruise, then place the palm of your hand over it and the other palm over the back of the injured point and with light pressure maintain contact for at least five minutes. This will prevent congestion and discoloration. Give general massage and massage as close the bruise as possible.

51. Hanshin Fuzui  (Paralysis):

General circulation massage and nerve stimulation. Keep bowels free and treat daily.

52. Soro Byō  (Premature Aging - Skin Discoloration):

General circulation massage daily. Many treatments are necessary as recovery is very slow.


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