What is Amma?

AmmaAmma is an ancient healing system over 5,000 years old, based on the same principles as acupuncture and herbalism. Amma techniques focus on balancing the musculoskeletal system and promoting the proper circulation of Qi, Blood, and Fluids, which are fundamental in the regulation of physiological processes.

Amma is based on the same principles, energetic pathways, and points as acupuncture. However Amma bodywork uses acupressure (instead of needles) to stimulate and balance Qi (life energy) in the body. Amma is invigorating and uses deep tissue manipulation.

Traditional Chinese diagnosis is based on observation of the tongue and various pulses as well as evaluation of signs and symptoms of the client. Using these tools, the practitioner assesses what is happening in the mind/body complex.

Tongue Diagnosis

The Roots of Amma

During the Tang Dynasty (618 AD-907 AD) the Imperial College of Medicine at Hsian offered a doctorate in “Anma”. Physicians from Japan and Korea came to study in China; Anma was taken to Korea it became Amma.

“Amma” is an ancient Korean term that describes massage and roughly translates as “push-pull”. Amma was brought to the U.S. from Asia in the 1970s by Tina Sohn as AMMA™.

The practitioners represented on this website practice Amma Bodywork Therapy, which is not affiliated with Tina Sohn.