This is the physiotherapist, Christian Desmarty, who first introduced in France in the 70’s the Japanese method of Relaxation called “Japanese Vibrations”.
     Remained in the background for a long time, this method was brought back on the scene by Bernard Santerre who taught it for several years at the “Institut de Sophrologie de Rennes”. For the first time, a real training in Japanese Vibrations was set up, giving this method a professional legitimacy.

     Today, the aim of the “Association Nationale des Praticiens en Vibrations Japonaises (ANPVJ) is to bring together praticians of Japanese Vibrations during sessions of practice and exchange of professional experiences so as to keep a uniformity and a quality in the practice of this technique originated from zen.

This history is taken from an article published in January 1989 in the scientific physiotherapy magazine no 275.

     1976, Kobe near Osaka in Japan. In a monastery, sixteen bonzes meditate an average of six to seven hours a day. The discipline is tough; getting up at 3.45 am, going to bed at 9.30 pm. The day is entirely devoted to meditation of which samu : chores that are done in a state of meditation like preparing meals, gardening or cleaning. All these activities are performed in a complete silence.

     The only two occasions of using one’s vocal cords are singing the sutras in the morning and during an interview with the master in the evening. The rest of the time is spent in this difficult and remarkable silence and the days go by in these harsh disciplinary conditions. It is, of course, obvious that some tensions may occur despite the goodwill of the bonzes. Speaking being forbidden, the only mean of solving problems is a corporal method of relaxation called in Japan “the exchange or harmonisation of the Ki”.


This relaxation consists, in a dual relationship, of provoking certain vibrations on the body of the other using a perfectly codified gesture. A corporal approach, combining an excellent awareness of the other and vibratory technique, generates both neuro-muscular and psychological relaxation.

     This method was essentially passed on orally. The searches in Japanese libraries and Universities did not bring anything out apart perhaps the discovery that certain techniques of hygiene derived from this method. The first elements were discovered by Portuguese missionaries during their stays in Japan under the Shogunate of the Tokugawa.

     We know today that this method was frequently used in Korea. This country was under Chinese authority until 1894 then fell under Russian and Japanese rule in 1896. The latter imposing an economical and cultural pressure until 1930. Pendant cette période les Japonais.

     It is more likely that the practice of non verbal relaxation was part of this cultural, forced osmosis. In which way this transmission was made ? Have the Japanese brought to quintessence a technique that came from abroad as they did with ZEN ? Did the Korean only take what they could adapt to their culture ?

     The mix-up between Korean and Japanese methods is frequently made while the progress, the stimulations and the dynamics of the session are different. The Korean method stands more in the context of traditional care, of massages within a domestic environment whereas the Japanese method is practised in a spirit of meditation in the image of the tea ceremony. Its character of austerity, of grace and precision means for the Japanese a true ritual, a Do.