Amma therapy is derived from one of the many ancient types of massage therapy. This form of Chinese massage therapy uses the same principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine to unblock the body's life force or qi. Many forms of Oriental massage therapy are based on the concept that energy flows throughout the body. When this energy become blocked it causes pain and disease.
Amma is an old Chinese world that means push-pull. It is the oldest Chinese word used for massage and amma is amount the oldest forms of massage therapy in the world. The therapy concerns itself not only with treatment of disease but with disease prevention. The therapist uses a combination of finger pressure and deep circular massage strokes to unblock life energy and manipulate soft tissue.
Over the years Amma therapy has changed a bit. The way Amma is currently practiced was introduced by Tina Sohn a traditional medicine healer from Korea. Sohn introduced the concepts of Amma to the West in the 1960s.
Sohn came from the a long tradition of traditional healers in Korea. She practiced healing in a intuitive manner combining different styles of bodywork and medical philosophies. Because of Sohn's influence Amma therapy now combines methods used in Swedish massage, rolfing, and even some chiropractic techniques. The combination of soft tissue manipulation and manipulation of qi provides you with a relaxing massage that helps you move towards healing.
This therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Therapists believe in getting all the information they possibly can. They use a variety of Chinese and Western diagnostic tools when they examine you. Your therapist will observe your posture and movement. They will also take your pulse, check your tongue, and palpate various parts of your body. They will ask questions about your diet and lifestyle to help them figure out what may be ailing you. They also gather information about your diet, emotions, likes and dislikes, complexion, posture, and bowel movements. Your practitioner will take time at the beginning of your first session to completely evaluate you.
