What is amma massage?
This technique of Chinese origin, but also widely practiced in Japan and Korea, aims to balance the distribution of Qi throughout the body by practicing fairly strong acupressure by following specific points along the meridians, muscles and joints.
Amma massage can be practiced by shiatsu professionals, a discipline with which it presents several analogies, and can also be practiced by a physiotherapist.
“An Mo”, a traditional Chinese term meaning massage, was the original name of this discipline which has become very popular in Japan to the point where its paternity is often attributed to the land of the rising sun. “An Mo” has become “An Ma” across the Yellow Sea which literally means An – Gently hold your hand and Ma – Rub. The term amma massage as we know it today is probably a western distortion
The amma massage provides a deep feeling of well-being and can be practiced both lying down like a classic massage, or sitting on a specific massage chair.
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Amma seated massage
Massage amma assis
The amma seated massage is the most practiced because it has the advantage of being easier to perform. A session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes and it is not necessary for the patient to undress, which allows sessions to be carried out spontaneously on the move, for example during a break or during the transfer between two transports. Its success lies in its nature to respond perfectly to the demand of man in contemporary society, always in a hurry and with little free time, in addition to being offered at an affordable price.
In Asia, there are masseurs who offer amma massages everywhere, in the street, in the subway, in shopping malls or in airports. In the West, and more particularly in Europe, its practice is less widespread and, generally, this massage is practiced in a more intimate environment, out of sight of passers-by.
The amma seated massage is performed in a pre-established order: starting with the shoulders, then the neck and back of the neck, then the hips, arms, hands and finally the head. This order of execution provides a back-and-forth effect throughout the body.
This massage, although short, has a relaxing and revitalizing effect, helps to eliminate stress and relaxes the muscles of the neck and back, areas which are generally more stressed. Practiced regularly, amma massage improves people’s resistance to stress, stimulates blood circulation and aerates muscles. Large companies in Silicon Valley offer their employees an amma massage room to improve their well-being at work and therefore their productivity.
Amma lying down massage
amma allonge
The lying amma massage is in itself more extensive since it covers the whole body, unlike the seated massage which ignores the legs.
During a reclining amma massage session, communication between the masseuse and the client is essential to locate the pain and tension linked to bad body positions and thus avoid discomfort. For this reason, a short conversation before starting the session can be a good idea to determine which execution to follow.
An extended amma massage lasts about 30 minutes or even an hour and is performed by applying a wide range of predefined techniques called “kata”, for a total of 25 techniques. The order and pace of execution will vary depending on the customer’s needs and reactions, but the form remains exactly the same.
The process includes percussion, acupressure, friction and compression techniques. The pressure exerted is more or less strong and focuses on different areas of the body including muscles, joints and acupuncture points to relax muscles and release stuck energy more effectively than seated amma massage.
Reclining amma massage involves the use of a massage table that is not too thick, such as a folding massage table. However, for professional exercise in physiotherapy, some Bobath massage tables (100 cm wide) allow a more comfortable practice of the amma massage, which means that the masseur or therapist also sits on the table. This technique can also be performed on the ground with a firm ground sheet. The patient keeps his clothes on during the massage, avoiding the misuse of massage oils.
Tony Neuman
Massage therapist graduated from Boulder School of Massage Therapy (Colorado, USA) – Amma Institute San Francisco graduate, participated in the creation of the seated amma kata – Founder of the Touch Line Institute in 1995 which has trained more than 13,000 practitioners
Originally from Washington, D.C. and New-York City, USA, Tony NEUMAN – CMT, began his career at the “Boulder School of Massage Therapy” in Boulder, Colorado. Tony was a private masseur in the “Hamptons” in NYC for many famous personalities (Calvin KLEIN, Steven SPIELBERG, Kathleen TURNER…) before developing the Amma Seated Massage in the USA.
In 1995, Tony imported Assis Massage Amma in Europe and created the Touch Line school in Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
He has personally trained more than 13,000 practitioners in seated amma massage and reclining amma massage in 13 countries for 25 years. Her book: “The Seated Massage – Traditional Japanese Art of Accupressure: Amma” – Editons Jouvence has been published in 7 languages.
Tony’s Vision is to make touch economically, temporally and psychologically accessible to everyone! Its mission: to offer the highest level of competence and quality of services in amma massage, in a manner that is both very human and very professional!
www.tonyneuman.com
