Amma Bodywork Therapy

What is Amma Bodywork Therapy?

“Amma” meaning push-pull, is the oldest Chinese word to describe massage. Amma Bodywork is based on the principles of Qi (pronounced chee) being a life force energy that flows through the body. Amma is a specialized form of bodywork therapy that combines deep, tissue manipulation with the application of pressure, friction and touch to specific points and the channels on which they are found. These channels are the pathways through which energy passes throughout the body.

Amma Therapy, like Acupuncture, focuses on the balance and movement of energy within the body. The techniques of Amma aim to remove blockages and free the flow of energy in the body. When this happens, the body is able to heal itself of illnesses, thereby restoring, promoting and maintaining optimum health.

How does Amma Bodywork Therapy work?

Amma Bodywork Therapy is rooted in Oriental Medical Principles. It focuses on the balance and movement of Qi within the body. The application of hand techniques is used to balance the flow of energy in the channels. 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 Bodywork Therapy addresses problems from a multi-system, multi-directional point of view. The process of assessment uses both Western and Eastern knowledge and techniques – combining traditional Oriental medical principals for assessing energy imbalances, with a Western approach to organ dysfunction. A diagnosis is based on the assessment of every facet of the mind/body complex – including observation of tongue (considered a road map of the body), taking various pulses, and evaluation of many signs and symptoms that reflect the state of internal organs.

What is a typical session in an Amma Bodywork treatment?

First, it is important to realize that Amma therapy is not just a massage treatment. Depending on the patient, Amma therapy may involve a variety of combined treatments including such things as vitamin recommendations, exercise suggestions, as well as holistic nutrition advice.

An Amma Therapy session usually lasts from 45 minutes to one hour. During this massage-type treatment, you can wear either loose clothing or undress to your comfort level and are treated on a padded massage table. Before treatment, your therapist will ask about your medical history, current complaints, symptoms, diet and exercise patterns. In assessment for treatment, the Amma Therapist will do more than just speak with you about your symptoms. Assessment will involve a variety of steps, including every aspect of the mind and body. This involves four major factors: looking, asking, touching and smelling. Practitioners of Amma Therapy believe that everything about the body can be learned by evaluating the body’s internal state.

An important part of the Amma process is patient education, regarding appropriate principles of diet and therapeutic exercises directed toward optimum health. Amma Therapy also stresses patient responsibility and cooperation in following through with the recommendations of the Amma Therapist. This is an essential component of a successful therapy.

What are the benefits of Amma Bodywork Therapy?

Amma Therapy 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, 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. Anyone who is willing to commit to their own well-being can benefit tremendously from Amma.

For more information visit the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at www.nccaom.org and the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia at www.aobta.org