What is Japanese Energy Massage (AMMA) "AMMA", the oldest Chinese word to describe massage, is an ancient healing system dating back about 5,000 years to the period of the Yellow Emperor. The name "Am-ma" means "push-pull." AMMA is rooted in Oriental Medical Principles. It is an extremely specialized form of massage therapy that is fundamentally concerned with the balance and movement of "life energy" (Ki) in the human body. Whereas the acupuncturist will insert needles into these 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 energy. What does Amma Massage do? AMMA massage stimulates the nervous and circulatory systems. It maintains the muscles and organs in their best state of relaxation, flexibility and nutrition. It also keeps the blood supply unobstructed from the byproducts of intense exertion and helps to increase concentration by alleviating stress and releasing tension. This massage also enhances body awareness, making you aware of areas of soreness and tension thus promoting healing before serious damage occurs. How do you feel after the massage? You feel energetic and balanced. AMMA massage leaves you feeling revitalized rather than sedated. The effect lasts several days after the treatment. How is it done? Unlike traditional massage, this treatment is done with the client clothed and seated comfortably relaxed in a specially designed chair. The massage is composed of over a dozen pressure, percussion and stroking techniques on over 60 points of the shoulder, back, arms, neck and scalp. Who benefits from the treatment? Everyone! Especially persons having a tension pain in their shoulders, necks and backs. In the USA AMMA is established as worksite massage. In Sweden an increasing number of companies provide their employees with 20-minute massage thus promoting healthier staff.