Amma, the oldest Chinese word to describe massage, is an ancient healing system dating back about 5,000 years to the period of the legendary Yellow Emperor of China. The name “Am-ma” literally means “push-pull.” Amma therapeutic massage is part of an ancient healing system, rooted in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Whereas in the United States the use of therapeutic massage for healing is relatively new, in China, therapeutic bodywork has been an integral part of the medical system for thousands of years.

Amma is an extremely specialized form of massage 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 is rooted in the same fundamental medical principles as acupuncture and herbalism, focusing 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--thereby restoring, promoting and maintaining optimum health. While the acupuncturist inserts needles into the energy pathways to stimulate and move the energy, the amma therapist relies primarily on the sensitivity and strength of the hands to manipulate the life force, called “Qi” (pronounced “chee”).

Amma therapeutic massage sessions usually last from 45 minutes to one hour and often include wholistic nutrition, vitamin, supplement, herbal and exercise recommendations. Patients wear a gown or loose clothing and are treated on a comfortable massage table. Amma has proven to be a powerful therapy in patients of all ages for both prevention and treatment of diseases including but not limited to traumas from sprains and strains, arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, circulatory disease, early stage cancers, autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, chronic fatigue syndrome, neuromuscular diseases, asthma and bronchitis.

Amma treatments have also proven exceptionally beneficial for infants and children in treating acute and chronic ear infections, upper respiratory tract infections, juvenile arthritis and diabetes, teething, headaches, hyperactivity, coughs and colds. In addition, it is possible through preventive treatments, to build the immune system and promote a healthy and longer life.