Amma is an extremely specialized form of massage therapy rooted in a philosophy based on Taoism dating back about 5000 years to the period of the legendary Yellow Emperor of China. Amma therapy combines deep tissue manipulation with the application of pressure, friction, and touch to specific points. While acupuncture inserts needles into the energy pathway to stimulate and move the energy, the Amma therapist relies primarily on the sensitivity and strength of the hands. Amma massage therapy has proven to be an effective and powerful therapy for people of all ages for the promotion of health and well-being, prevention of illness, and the treatment of specific diseases.
Based on the principles of Oriental Medicine, AMMA combines deep tissue manipulation with the application of pressure, friction, and touch to specific points, energy channels, muscles, ligaments, and joints. AMMA therapy may also include counseling on dietary plans, detoxification, herbs and vitamins, therapeutic exercises, or addressing stress, emotions, and spirituality. AMMA therapy is becoming increasingly popular in response to society’s wellness boom.
How to Perform Amma Therapy Massage
A classical Asian bodywork style that predates acupuncture, “Amma” is the oldest Chinese word to describe massage. Amma is a specialized form of bodywork therapy that combines deep, therapeutic, circular digital pressure and acupressure point stimulation with Chinese medical principles for accessing and treating imbalances in the energy system. Amma Therapy, like acupuncture, focuses on the balance and movement of Qi (energy) within the body. Whereas the acupuncturist inserts needles into the energy pathways to stimulate and move the energy, the Amma practitioner relies primarily on the sensitivity and strength of the hands to manipulate the client’s life Qi.
Amma Therapy techniques include both deep-tissue manipulation that is used in other forms of therapeutic massage and the stimulation of Qi movement that is the basis of Chinese medicine. Amma Therapy addresses problems from a multisystem, multidirectional point of view. A diagnosis is based on the assessment of every facet of the mind/body complex, including observation of the tongue, taking of various pulses, and evaluation of many signs and symptoms that reflect the state of internal organs.
What Has Been Used to Treat Through Amma Massage?
Amma is a powerful therapy for patients of all ages for both prevention and treatment of disease. It has been used to successfully treat and/or manage conditions including traumas such as sprains, strains, and fractures; chronic disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, circulatory problems, anxiety, depression, gynecological problems, premenstrual problems, perimenopausal problems, menopausal considerations, autoimmune diseases, and neuromuscular disease.
How is AMMA Therapy practiced?
The AMMA therapist uses palpation as a primary diagnostic tool. The hands and the fingers palpate specific areas of the body and pay particular attention to any areas that are sensitive or painful. Unlike Swedish massage, it doesn’t use oils and may be performed through clothing.
AMMA Therapy is concerned with the balance and movement of life energy (Qi) in the human body. Whereas the acupuncturist will insert needles into these energy pathways to stimulate and move the energy and the herbalist will use appropriate herbal remedies to do the same, the Amma Therapist relies primarily on the sensitivity and strength of the hands to manipulate and balance the life energy.
What are the Benefits of AMMA Therapy?
It will benefit stiff neck with shoulder pain, lower back pain, muscular pain, indigestion, constipation, headaches, premenstrual syndrome, anxiety, poor sleep pattern, stress. Advanced treatments for:
- Headaches
- Rigidity and pain in the neck
- Spasm and intense pain of the neck, upper back muscles, acute and chronic
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Sinusitis