Shiatsu-Amma
Shiatsu-amma is a combination of two Japanese bodywork therapies: shiatsu and amma.
Amma is known as the ancient ancestor of all the Asian hand-healing therapies that work to treat the energy system. “Amma” is basically a Japanese word for massage. Traditional amma was not just a massage completed for relaxation, but also as a medical therapy involving diagnosis. The therapist would use not only the hands but also fingers, thumbs, elbows, forearms, knees, and elbows to manipulate the body tissues. The various manipulation techniques include stroking, pressing, and stretching the fourteen major energy channels found in the body. A typical application usually involves massaging all areas of the body. The goal of the therapy is to remove any energy blocks found in the body and promote optimal health. Blocked energy paths are believed to be the cause of any physical problems of the body, so the production of good energy flow is important for healthy living.
“Shiatsu” actually means finger pressure, and it developed out of the ancient traditions of Amma massage therapy. During this therapy treatment the principles of physiology and anatomy are applied. Unlike amma, only the thumbs, fingers and palms are used during this treatment, making it a massage treatment only involving the hands. The hands apply pressure to a pattern of pressure points throughout the body, as well as targeting any specific areas of discomfort.
Shiatsu is used to relieve pain and discomfort, reduce fatigue, aid in relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, and give individuals a great awareness of their bodies. It is especially effective for conditions such as insomnia, lower back pain, neck and shoulder tension, arthritis, headaches and whiplash. It works to speed recovery time after injuries and illnesses by evoking the body’s own natural healing abilities. It achieves this by stimulating the release of natural body chemicals and hormones that aid in the healing and soothing of illness and injuries, while also helping the mind and body to perform at optimal levels. This is all achieved through the power of touch. Touch is a very important part of all of our lives, as we need it for healing and maintaining good health.
The environment of a shiatsu-amma massage usually involves the patient lying on a floor mat during the procedure. The therapist then kneels beside the patient and delivers the massage at floor level. Typically the room becomes dark and soft music is played in the background. One of the most important features of the treatment is its ability to produce a “relaxation response” in the body.
Shiatsu-amma is then a combination of the ancient traditions of amma full body massage and energy work, and the pressure point therapy of shiatsu. Both of the techniques of shiatsu-amma have Japanese traditions and therapeutic effects.
