Thanks for posting! I enjoy cupping too, although I find I don't use it much. I sometimes use moxabustion in my sessions. I also make my own Di Dat Jow and use that in nearly all my sessions.
With regard to technique, I am an AMMA Therapy(R) practitioner. AMMA Therapy(R) is Korean bodywork, based on the 5 Elements and the 8 Principles of TCM. Chinese diet and the internal martial arts are also part of this 5,000 year old system of healing. AMMA was brought to the U.S. by the late Mrs. Tina Sohn who with her husband established the NY College of Health Professions. AMMA Therapy(R) comprised half of the massage program at the college and was also taught in the acupuncture program. It was also the focal point of the holistic nursing program at the college and was being integrated with great success into hospitals in NYC. I learned AMMA at the college and was later asked to return to teach and supervise in the student massage clinic, a magical and incredibly rewarding time in my life.
Eventually, I relocated to Arizona (Phoenix Valley) and found that I felt like a fish out of water without my AMMA colleagues around me. Ultimately this inspired me to become a NCBTMB approved CE provider and teach AMMA Therapy(R) workshops. It is my hope to continue Mrs. Sohn's efforts and share AMMA with other therapists so that others may benefit from it as well.
Nearly 10 years ago, AMMA changed my life in ways I could have never imagined and I am grateful each day for what I learned through AMMA and the chance to share this information with others, knowing it will change their lives too. I am especially excited to be taking AMMA Therapy (R) north toward Sedona this fall. I know the red rocks of Sedona will be a brilliant and powerful setting in which to teach AMMA. More information can be found on the classes at www.KIRAHolistic.com.
I am very eager to hear what styles of TCM bodywork others here are practicing and how they came to resonate with the work they do. For me, the resonance came in the 5 Elements. Upon learning about the correlation between the elements and the emotions, I found my home as a bodyworker.
Welcome, Jon! Based on your background, it sounds like you might be a graduate of the NY College of Health Professions? I used to teach there and now teach AMMA Therapy(R) for CE credit in Arizona and nationally. Great that you are in the OM program too! (BTW, you might also want to check out the AMMA Therapy(R) group that I created).
I am a Zen Shiatsu practitioner and instructor. I also do Thai massage and use Moxa in my sessions. I just love the diagnosis tool in Shiatsu- because it gives me a deeper understanding of the clients well being,
Welcome, Eeris! Your sessions sound wonderful... I love being treated with moxa and find it's hard to find therapists who use it (never quite the same when you self-treat either!).
AMMA Therapy Basic I will be held in the Red Rock Country of Sedona, AZ from October 30 - November 2, 2009 at Your HeartWalk Center on Hwy 179.
AMMA Therapy® is a 5,000 year old system of healing, originating in Korea and brought to the United States by the late Mrs. Tina Sohn, descendant of a royal line of TCM healers and a healing sensitive who could directly experience the energy of others. Along with her late husband, Dr. Robert Sohn, they founded the Wholistic Health Center on Long Island, the largest center of its kind on the east coast, now known as the New York College of Health Professions. AMMA Therapy® was also taught to acupuncture students at the college as well as Wholistic Nursing students who have integrated the technique into the hospital setting. The Sohns co-authored what is said to be the most comprehensive text on Asian bodywork: AMMA Therapy®, A Complete Textbook of Oriental Bodywork and Medical Principles.
AMMA Therapy® offers your clients a complete form of therapy, incorporating bodywork, Chinese diet, and concepts from Qi Gong and T’ai Chi Chuan. It is based on the Eight Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as Five Element Theory. The technique’s focus on the Five Elements places a high importance on the vital role of the emotions in healing. An AMMA Therapy® session completely embraces the notion of treating body, mind, and spirit.
At its most basic level, AMMA Therapy® addresses structural imbalances such as neck and back pain. At the advanced level, AMMA Therapy® also benefits conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, digestive problems, PMS, menopause, low immune function, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and headaches.
As the therapist is taught how to direct energy from the Dan Tien (the hara), this therapy is easy on your body and reenergizes you along with your client.
Instructor: Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
Maria Troia is a former instructor of AMMA Therapy® and a student clinic supervisor at the NY College of Health Professions. She has the permission of the current trademark holder to continue to teach AMMA Therapy® independently. She is also approved by NCBTMB as a CE provider (# 450883-08).
$500 (32 contact hours) on or before 9/26/09
(After 9/26 tuition is $550)
To register call 480-313-6260 or visit www.kiraholistic.com for more information.
I learned about Asian bodywork during my studies of Chinese medicine. I love the philosophy and principles that form the foundation in this natural medicine. I integrate western and eastern manual techniques together.
I'm afraid I don't have much personal experience with Anma, so I'm not sure how well I can answer this, but I'll try. I do know they all came from the same root, which is the Chinese amma. And I believe Japan was one of the last places of migration, so I think the Japanese Anma might be younger.
I only had one direct experience with Anma (and I'm not sure how authentic a session it was), but the touch felt more superficial than in AMMA Therapy(R). Again, I'm not sure how authentic the session was and I suspect the therapist had only taken a foundational class since she didn't seem to use any TCM assessment tools like tongue or pulse. So I probably don't have the best basis for comparision.
From my reading though, I believe the Japanese Anma involves percussion, which AMMA Therapy(R) does not. AMMA Therapy(R) relies on a blend of circular digital, circular thumb pressure, and palmar embrace. And of course manipulation of traditional points, plus several additional points discovered by Tina Sohn. My clients describe the bodywork as more of a gentle rocking massage that typically calms them and then energizes them. (No oils used, same as other TCM protocols, but we do use liniments for various purposes, move Qi, move Blood, etc).
What might be easier is for me to share some of the distinct things about AMMA Therapy(R), and then you can compare that information to what authentic Anma is since you probably know more than I do about the Japanese method than I do.
The most obvious thing to Asian bodyworkers about AMMA Therapy(R) is it is done on a standard height massage table (which is why it was easily adapted to the hospital setting in the NY College's Wholistic Nursing program). We spend a lot of time teaching the practitioner how to apply the Wu Chi posture and other concepts from T'ai Chi to utilize their energy, maintain their alignment, align their channels with the client's channels, etc. (I know alignment is important in other forms of TCM bodywork too).
Another thing that a lot of Asian bodyworkers comment on is that AMMA Therapy(R) doesn't necessarily follow the direction of the meridian, but rather follows a proximal to distal direction, i.e., when working the Large Intestine tendino muscle channel, we do not work from the 2nd digit up, but rather from top down. This is one of the most common comments I hear from students as to differences from other Asian bodywork techniques. And while Mrs. Sohn didn't state it this way, the way I've made sense of it for myself is when you look at the direction we work in, we are basically following the direction of the peripheral nerves, while being on the tendino muscle channel. As I was taught, we were always descending the energy away from the head, moving Qi, Blood, and Fluids in a downward/outbound position, basically giving the energy a port of exit. I think perhaps this is more unique to AMMA Therapy(R).
Direction is very important to the protocol. We always start supine. We always start at the head and work toward the feet. Then we move to the prone treatment and again, work from head to feet, proximal to distal. It is a very specific protocol, one channel preceding the next. These specific steps are outlined in the text.
Sensitivity and strength are at the heart of AMMA Therapy(R) and we spend a lot of time cultivating the practitioner to enhance these skills, help them center and ground their energy. I think this is actually one of the greatest gifts of AMMA Therapy(R) and benefits not just the client, but the practitioner (I know it changed my life in significant ways). Mrs. Sohn was a healing sensitive who could directly experience the energy of her patients, so this notion of centering and deepening sensitivity and awareness are an important focus of the program she created. It's important though to note that not every practitioner reaches this level, nor is expected to. Those who do not reach that level, or haven't studied long enough to get there, are still able to achieve structural results. Another thing is that we teach the importance of setting intention too, which is expanded from T'ai Chi.
TCM assessment is important. We use the 5 Elements in assessing an imbalance, and obviously a great deal of consideration is given to the emotions as root cause (like other TCM bodywork methods). We teach the 4 Methods and the 8 Principles of TCM to assess imbalances. We discuss lifestyle changes with the client, including traditional Chinese diet, movement exercises like T'ai Chi, Qi Gong, or Yoga. We suggest meditation as well. At the advanced level, supplementation and moxa maybe be used.
The training is cummulative. Basic I covers the anterior basic revitalizing treatment. Basic II covers the posterior revitalizing treatment. Then we move into Applied I & II, with cover specific conditions such as indigestion, PMS, constipation, low back pain, etc. There is also a theory class, Oriental Clinical Assessment (were we cover patterns in TCM, pulse, tongue, etc). There is a technique refinement class and a clinic option at the most advanced level.
I hope that helps some. I have a video I was hoping to post on You Tube, but have had trouble getting it to download from my camera. Hopefully I'll get it on there soon so people will have a visual.
As to one method having anything to do with the other, I suppose the simplest answer is that one grew from the other, originating in China with amma and carried as I understand it from monks from one place in the Orient to another over years. It's a question of time and age of each technique as if migrated, and how the culture itself adapted the original method in accordance with philosophy/understanding of the people and the time.
Hope this is helpful (if not also a little long-winded!).
Wanted to follow up to my last post.... I'd love for all of us to share what it is about what we individually do as Asian bodyworkers, so we may all use this forum to learn and grow.
The world needs therapies that link body-mind-spirit, perhaps more than ever. One of my greatest frustrations is my exposure to other advanced Asian bodywork methods where I live now is limited.
Like Eeris, I am curious about other modalities as they relate to what I do -- and would like to learn more from the ones who know modalities best.
So Eeris, please educate us about Anma, Shiatsu and Thai too. And everyone else here, please feel free to add to the Asian bodywork pot with your insights and understanding about what you do.
Maria, thank you for the detailed description on AMMA therapy. It sounds different than the Japanese Anma, which is a very vigorous MASSAGE, so vigorous that my teacher was going through massage tables like dirty sheets...(here is a funny story- my teacher is Japanese with a heavy accent. Whenever he showed us a stroke he would say "start with light lubing stroke" we all looked at each other and thought that this is way to vigorous to be called light loving stroke... only toward the end of the workshop we realized he was saying light rubbing stroke...i guess I can tell this funny tale because i have an accent myself..)
Anma is performed directly on the skin but without oil. Anma includes a lot of stretching and does not follow specific meridian lines but pressure is applied on specific acupressure points. Yes, there is a lot of tapotement…At the level I took the class there was no TCM assessment made, but I am sure that it is part of the work if you go to advanced studies. I stopped doing Anma because I did not enjoy the pace and hard work. You are actually breathing hard and sweating... I did take some elements of that massage and I use it in my body work.
What I mostly use in my practice is Zen Shiatsu.(developed by Shizotu Masunaga) and I like what you said in earlier posts about bringing body mind and spirit together and into balance. This is what Zen Shiatsu is about and definitely my goal in my practice. I do a Hara assessment which is checking "pulses" in the abdomen. I use the information I get to set an intention for the session, which is not only physical but also any personal challenges the client is working through. I use my understanding of TCM and the five elements to understand the underlining cause of their discomfort. I use guided mediations and intuitive guidance when it is appropriate. I just love this work because just like you said- it's not only rejuvenating and nurturing for the client, as a practitioner I basically spend my day channeling and meditating. This is how I am able to keep working as much as I do and as long as I have.
Thanks again for teaching me about AMMA therapy- it sounds awesome. Hope others will share about their work.
Eeris Kallil www.bodyworkwisdom.com
I apologize for my delay in replying. Have been off for a few days and just catching up.
Wow, I'm so glad you shared your knowledge of Japanese Anma. All along, I had been thinking it was a more subtle method, based on the treatment I had (which like I said, I suspected wasn't authentic). Very interesting. I tend to think of Japanese technique as more esoteric, more subtle (based on my experience in receiving Japanese acupuncture, of which I am a great fan). This information about Anma was a real eye opener.
Anma does sound vigorous and like hard work. I'm not sure I'd like doing it either. Part of what I love about AMMA Therapy(R) is that centered feeling I get from treating. It doesn't wipe me out at all, yet a treatment can be very powerful. So much of what happens depends upon the practitioner, intention, etc. We had a good amount of esoteric training in our program and I remember one or my foundational instructors asking, "Well, if the mind moves the Qi, do we need to touch the body at all? Does an acupuncturist really need to set a needle?" That question really stripped my gears. Of course we need more than our minds to do the work since we don't live that high up on the mountain, so to speak. But it is a wild notion to think about, isn't it? When we combine the mind and the hands, intention and action....
I think I would love Zen Shiatsu. It sounds like a wonderful treatment to give and to receive. Never heard of taking abdominal pulses. How interesting. Do these pulses give different information than the radial pulses?
Thanks so much for sharing! Fascinating!
BTW, I laughed about the "light loving strokes." Reminds me of the time I took my mom to my acupuncturist, a lovely man, very kind and gentle, but his English can be a little hard to understand at times. I can usually follow him, but sometimes it's kind of like "tape delay" -- if something isn't clear I usually nod my head and then I'll get it in context. We usually do fine and he's a great sport about me not getting everything the first time around. Well, one day he absolutely baffled me. He kept talking about mom's "shooter." I was clueless. I sat there nodding, waiting to get it in context, but I was beyond blank and he must have seen it on my face. Then he started pointing at him G/H joint, saying "shooter, shooter," and I realized he was talking about her "shoulder."
Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH,
www.kiraholistic.com
Delete Comment Maria, the question your instructor asked about moving Qi and touching or not is fascinating. Actually there is a form of Shiatsu called Quantum Shiatsu developed by Pauline Susaki, where a lot of the work can be done very gently and off the body, especially the Hara assessment. I took one class a few years ago and found it very powerful but didn’t take it long enough to transform my work into the quantum world .. so I am still assessing on the body and I love it. I assume we get the same information as the radial pulses,( I don’t do radial pulses) we look for the quality of the Qi in specific diagnostic areas in the stomach. Many times when i share my results with my clients they say " oh yea, that’s what my acupuncturist told me" so it’s just another magical way to read the body and have access to the information that is already there...
Thanks for the chat! I will keep an eye for your classes!
Eeris www.bodyworkwisdom.com
Eeris, is there a source you can recommend to get updates on CE classes for techniques such as Quantum and Zen Shiatsu and other similar classes? I'd love to find classes such as these to meet my CE hours. I'm sure AOBTA would have classes like these advertised, but I'm not a member.
I have one two hour class left at the Festival. On our poll, Shiatsu is the highest ranked class that therapists want to take or find out more about. It will be in next year's program for sure.
If there is a CE Provider in this group that would like the time slot and exposure to new therapists, please let me know. Thanks!
Tuina Structural Disorders Series
Presented by Pedro C. Yee, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM)
AOBTA Registered Instructor (AOBTA), Certified Oi Healer (CHAC)
The Center for Tuina Therapy
68 Union Ave.
Clifton, NJ
Saturday and Sunday, June 26-27, 2010, 10-4 PM - Fee: $200 - Tuina for the Lower Extremities: this workshop will focus on Tuina methods for hip sprain-strain, knee pain, lower leg pain, ankle sprain, and foot pain.
These workshops will teach the treatment methods and protocols for Structural Disorders as addressed by Tuina-Chinese Bodywork Therapy. You will learn powerful hand techniques and Qi Gong Methods as well as treatment theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and have an overview of Western Scientific Principles of treatment. Qi Gong methods for self-care will also be addressed. These workshops are good for Acupuncturists, Herbologists, Massage Therapists, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Energetic workers, Chiropractors, Martial Artists or anyone wishing to explore healing methods.
I am a traditionally western trained mt. Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial etc. However, my view on healthcare is straight up TCM. I was not raised this way to be certain but my time living in Shanghai began an awakening in me that has brought me around to the truth within me and that is I was born to practice TCM massage. Unfortunatly, I've been unable to find a Tuina certification program here in Michigan. You would think there would be one in Ann Arbor with their huge asian student population, but alas I've not found one. I have found a five day certification class in Boston this May and am thinking of attending. Does anyone know of any online classes in Tuina that are decent to get me started? I would love to get some basic information.
Tracey, I don't know about online certifications but you can find some Tuina instruction manuals and DVD's here http://www.taoistsanctuary.org/products/tuinabooks_vid.html
Bill Helm is an AOBTA certified instructor, the Dean of Allied Arts at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and Director of the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego. Bill also teaches classes at Mueller College of Massage and IPSB.
If anyone is interested in studying Ohashiatsu in the Burlington area, let me know. I am a certified Ohashiatsu Instructor and just moved to Colchester/Milton.
Tracey look for a Chinese Martial Artist (Qi Gong, Kung Fu) Masters are trained in TCM. You can get a traditional education from them. If you find a high level Hapkido Master from Korea they may know Hwal Bup Do which is the Korean healing art which among manual healing I think is one of the best. Among Japanese a Ju Jitsu Master may know the Japanese traditional healing art. You might also find in a Japanese community a practitioner of traditional healing, such as Sekkotsu (接骨). If you find one of these traditional teachers you will learn a more complete system of healing than any of the branded classes.
Is anyone from Massachusetts? I read the state massage regulation which exempts Asian Bodywork from licensing. Can anyone say why this was done? I'd also like to know how this affects competition with Bodyworkers who are not licensed and Massage Therapists who are licensed. This is different than anything I have seen before.
Maria Troia
Jul 8, 2009
Alicia Barrera-Warwick,HHP,LE
Jul 10, 2009
Maria Troia
Thanks for posting! I enjoy cupping too, although I find I don't use it much. I sometimes use moxabustion in my sessions. I also make my own Di Dat Jow and use that in nearly all my sessions.
With regard to technique, I am an AMMA Therapy(R) practitioner. AMMA Therapy(R) is Korean bodywork, based on the 5 Elements and the 8 Principles of TCM. Chinese diet and the internal martial arts are also part of this 5,000 year old system of healing. AMMA was brought to the U.S. by the late Mrs. Tina Sohn who with her husband established the NY College of Health Professions. AMMA Therapy(R) comprised half of the massage program at the college and was also taught in the acupuncture program. It was also the focal point of the holistic nursing program at the college and was being integrated with great success into hospitals in NYC. I learned AMMA at the college and was later asked to return to teach and supervise in the student massage clinic, a magical and incredibly rewarding time in my life.
Eventually, I relocated to Arizona (Phoenix Valley) and found that I felt like a fish out of water without my AMMA colleagues around me. Ultimately this inspired me to become a NCBTMB approved CE provider and teach AMMA Therapy(R) workshops. It is my hope to continue Mrs. Sohn's efforts and share AMMA with other therapists so that others may benefit from it as well.
Nearly 10 years ago, AMMA changed my life in ways I could have never imagined and I am grateful each day for what I learned through AMMA and the chance to share this information with others, knowing it will change their lives too. I am especially excited to be taking AMMA Therapy (R) north toward Sedona this fall. I know the red rocks of Sedona will be a brilliant and powerful setting in which to teach AMMA. More information can be found on the classes at www.KIRAHolistic.com.
I am very eager to hear what styles of TCM bodywork others here are practicing and how they came to resonate with the work they do. For me, the resonance came in the 5 Elements. Upon learning about the correlation between the elements and the emotions, I found my home as a bodyworker.
Jul 11, 2009
Ashwin Nathi
I enjoy giving tuina.
Jul 17, 2009
Ariana Vincent, LMT, MTI, BCTMB
Jul 18, 2009
Dell
I am a practicing Shiatsu and Tui Na therapist in the Boston, MA area. I am excited to be a member of this group. Thanx ;-D
Dell
Jul 27, 2009
Maria Troia
Jul 27, 2009
Maria Troia
Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
www.kiraholistic.com
Aug 9, 2009
Eeris Kallil CMT
Aug 9, 2009
Maria Troia
Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
www.kiraholistic.com
Aug 10, 2009
Maria Troia
AMMA Therapy® is a 5,000 year old system of healing, originating in Korea and brought to the United States by the late Mrs. Tina Sohn, descendant of a royal line of TCM healers and a healing sensitive who could directly experience the energy of others. Along with her late husband, Dr. Robert Sohn, they founded the Wholistic Health Center on Long Island, the largest center of its kind on the east coast, now known as the New York College of Health Professions. AMMA Therapy® was also taught to acupuncture students at the college as well as Wholistic Nursing students who have integrated the technique into the hospital setting. The Sohns co-authored what is said to be the most comprehensive text on Asian bodywork: AMMA Therapy®, A Complete Textbook of Oriental Bodywork and Medical Principles.
AMMA Therapy® offers your clients a complete form of therapy, incorporating bodywork, Chinese diet, and concepts from Qi Gong and T’ai Chi Chuan. It is based on the Eight Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as Five Element Theory. The technique’s focus on the Five Elements places a high importance on the vital role of the emotions in healing. An AMMA Therapy® session completely embraces the notion of treating body, mind, and spirit.
At its most basic level, AMMA Therapy® addresses structural imbalances such as neck and back pain. At the advanced level, AMMA Therapy® also benefits conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, digestive problems, PMS, menopause, low immune function, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and headaches.
As the therapist is taught how to direct energy from the Dan Tien (the hara), this therapy is easy on your body and reenergizes you along with your client.
Instructor: Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
Maria Troia is a former instructor of AMMA Therapy® and a student clinic supervisor at the NY College of Health Professions. She has the permission of the current trademark holder to continue to teach AMMA Therapy® independently. She is also approved by NCBTMB as a CE provider (# 450883-08).
$500 (32 contact hours) on or before 9/26/09
(After 9/26 tuition is $550)
To register call 480-313-6260 or visit www.kiraholistic.com for more information.
Aug 14, 2009
Maria Troia
Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
www.kiraholistic.com
Aug 21, 2009
David J. Razo
I learned about Asian bodywork during my studies of Chinese medicine. I love the philosophy and principles that form the foundation in this natural medicine. I integrate western and eastern manual techniques together.
Aug 21, 2009
Eeris Kallil CMT
Aug 21, 2009
Maria Troia
I'm afraid I don't have much personal experience with Anma, so I'm not sure how well I can answer this, but I'll try. I do know they all came from the same root, which is the Chinese amma. And I believe Japan was one of the last places of migration, so I think the Japanese Anma might be younger.
I only had one direct experience with Anma (and I'm not sure how authentic a session it was), but the touch felt more superficial than in AMMA Therapy(R). Again, I'm not sure how authentic the session was and I suspect the therapist had only taken a foundational class since she didn't seem to use any TCM assessment tools like tongue or pulse. So I probably don't have the best basis for comparision.
From my reading though, I believe the Japanese Anma involves percussion, which AMMA Therapy(R) does not. AMMA Therapy(R) relies on a blend of circular digital, circular thumb pressure, and palmar embrace. And of course manipulation of traditional points, plus several additional points discovered by Tina Sohn. My clients describe the bodywork as more of a gentle rocking massage that typically calms them and then energizes them. (No oils used, same as other TCM protocols, but we do use liniments for various purposes, move Qi, move Blood, etc).
What might be easier is for me to share some of the distinct things about AMMA Therapy(R), and then you can compare that information to what authentic Anma is since you probably know more than I do about the Japanese method than I do.
The most obvious thing to Asian bodyworkers about AMMA Therapy(R) is it is done on a standard height massage table (which is why it was easily adapted to the hospital setting in the NY College's Wholistic Nursing program). We spend a lot of time teaching the practitioner how to apply the Wu Chi posture and other concepts from T'ai Chi to utilize their energy, maintain their alignment, align their channels with the client's channels, etc. (I know alignment is important in other forms of TCM bodywork too).
Another thing that a lot of Asian bodyworkers comment on is that AMMA Therapy(R) doesn't necessarily follow the direction of the meridian, but rather follows a proximal to distal direction, i.e., when working the Large Intestine tendino muscle channel, we do not work from the 2nd digit up, but rather from top down. This is one of the most common comments I hear from students as to differences from other Asian bodywork techniques. And while Mrs. Sohn didn't state it this way, the way I've made sense of it for myself is when you look at the direction we work in, we are basically following the direction of the peripheral nerves, while being on the tendino muscle channel. As I was taught, we were always descending the energy away from the head, moving Qi, Blood, and Fluids in a downward/outbound position, basically giving the energy a port of exit. I think perhaps this is more unique to AMMA Therapy(R).
Direction is very important to the protocol. We always start supine. We always start at the head and work toward the feet. Then we move to the prone treatment and again, work from head to feet, proximal to distal. It is a very specific protocol, one channel preceding the next. These specific steps are outlined in the text.
Sensitivity and strength are at the heart of AMMA Therapy(R) and we spend a lot of time cultivating the practitioner to enhance these skills, help them center and ground their energy. I think this is actually one of the greatest gifts of AMMA Therapy(R) and benefits not just the client, but the practitioner (I know it changed my life in significant ways). Mrs. Sohn was a healing sensitive who could directly experience the energy of her patients, so this notion of centering and deepening sensitivity and awareness are an important focus of the program she created. It's important though to note that not every practitioner reaches this level, nor is expected to. Those who do not reach that level, or haven't studied long enough to get there, are still able to achieve structural results. Another thing is that we teach the importance of setting intention too, which is expanded from T'ai Chi.
TCM assessment is important. We use the 5 Elements in assessing an imbalance, and obviously a great deal of consideration is given to the emotions as root cause (like other TCM bodywork methods). We teach the 4 Methods and the 8 Principles of TCM to assess imbalances. We discuss lifestyle changes with the client, including traditional Chinese diet, movement exercises like T'ai Chi, Qi Gong, or Yoga. We suggest meditation as well. At the advanced level, supplementation and moxa maybe be used.
The training is cummulative. Basic I covers the anterior basic revitalizing treatment. Basic II covers the posterior revitalizing treatment. Then we move into Applied I & II, with cover specific conditions such as indigestion, PMS, constipation, low back pain, etc. There is also a theory class, Oriental Clinical Assessment (were we cover patterns in TCM, pulse, tongue, etc). There is a technique refinement class and a clinic option at the most advanced level.
I hope that helps some. I have a video I was hoping to post on You Tube, but have had trouble getting it to download from my camera. Hopefully I'll get it on there soon so people will have a visual.
As to one method having anything to do with the other, I suppose the simplest answer is that one grew from the other, originating in China with amma and carried as I understand it from monks from one place in the Orient to another over years. It's a question of time and age of each technique as if migrated, and how the culture itself adapted the original method in accordance with philosophy/understanding of the people and the time.
Hope this is helpful (if not also a little long-winded!).
Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
www.kiraholistic.com
Aug 22, 2009
Maria Troia
The world needs therapies that link body-mind-spirit, perhaps more than ever. One of my greatest frustrations is my exposure to other advanced Asian bodywork methods where I live now is limited.
Like Eeris, I am curious about other modalities as they relate to what I do -- and would like to learn more from the ones who know modalities best.
So Eeris, please educate us about Anma, Shiatsu and Thai too. And everyone else here, please feel free to add to the Asian bodywork pot with your insights and understanding about what you do.
Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
www.kiraholistic.com
Aug 22, 2009
Eeris Kallil CMT
Anma is performed directly on the skin but without oil. Anma includes a lot of stretching and does not follow specific meridian lines but pressure is applied on specific acupressure points. Yes, there is a lot of tapotement…At the level I took the class there was no TCM assessment made, but I am sure that it is part of the work if you go to advanced studies. I stopped doing Anma because I did not enjoy the pace and hard work. You are actually breathing hard and sweating... I did take some elements of that massage and I use it in my body work.
What I mostly use in my practice is Zen Shiatsu.(developed by Shizotu Masunaga) and I like what you said in earlier posts about bringing body mind and spirit together and into balance. This is what Zen Shiatsu is about and definitely my goal in my practice. I do a Hara assessment which is checking "pulses" in the abdomen. I use the information I get to set an intention for the session, which is not only physical but also any personal challenges the client is working through. I use my understanding of TCM and the five elements to understand the underlining cause of their discomfort. I use guided mediations and intuitive guidance when it is appropriate. I just love this work because just like you said- it's not only rejuvenating and nurturing for the client, as a practitioner I basically spend my day channeling and meditating. This is how I am able to keep working as much as I do and as long as I have.
Thanks again for teaching me about AMMA therapy- it sounds awesome. Hope others will share about their work.
Eeris Kallil
www.bodyworkwisdom.com
Aug 22, 2009
Maria Troia
I apologize for my delay in replying. Have been off for a few days and just catching up.
Wow, I'm so glad you shared your knowledge of Japanese Anma. All along, I had been thinking it was a more subtle method, based on the treatment I had (which like I said, I suspected wasn't authentic). Very interesting. I tend to think of Japanese technique as more esoteric, more subtle (based on my experience in receiving Japanese acupuncture, of which I am a great fan). This information about Anma was a real eye opener.
Anma does sound vigorous and like hard work. I'm not sure I'd like doing it either. Part of what I love about AMMA Therapy(R) is that centered feeling I get from treating. It doesn't wipe me out at all, yet a treatment can be very powerful. So much of what happens depends upon the practitioner, intention, etc. We had a good amount of esoteric training in our program and I remember one or my foundational instructors asking, "Well, if the mind moves the Qi, do we need to touch the body at all? Does an acupuncturist really need to set a needle?" That question really stripped my gears. Of course we need more than our minds to do the work since we don't live that high up on the mountain, so to speak. But it is a wild notion to think about, isn't it? When we combine the mind and the hands, intention and action....
I think I would love Zen Shiatsu. It sounds like a wonderful treatment to give and to receive. Never heard of taking abdominal pulses. How interesting. Do these pulses give different information than the radial pulses?
Thanks so much for sharing! Fascinating!
BTW, I laughed about the "light loving strokes." Reminds me of the time I took my mom to my acupuncturist, a lovely man, very kind and gentle, but his English can be a little hard to understand at times. I can usually follow him, but sometimes it's kind of like "tape delay" -- if something isn't clear I usually nod my head and then I'll get it in context. We usually do fine and he's a great sport about me not getting everything the first time around. Well, one day he absolutely baffled me. He kept talking about mom's "shooter." I was clueless. I sat there nodding, waiting to get it in context, but I was beyond blank and he must have seen it on my face. Then he started pointing at him G/H joint, saying "shooter, shooter," and I realized he was talking about her "shoulder."
Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH,
www.kiraholistic.com
Aug 27, 2009
Eeris Kallil CMT
Thanks for the chat! I will keep an eye for your classes!
Eeris
www.bodyworkwisdom.com
Aug 28, 2009
Eeris Kallil CMT
Aug 28, 2009
Maria Troia
Aug 29, 2009
Eeris Kallil CMT
http://www.quantumshiatsu.com/
At the boulder college of massage therapy there is a 7 module certification class for Zen Shiatsu (CE avail
www.BCMT.org
Aug 29, 2009
Maria Troia
Aug 30, 2009
Mike Hinkle
If there is a CE Provider in this group that would like the time slot and exposure to new therapists, please let me know. Thanks!
Sep 4, 2009
Maria Troia
www.massageprofessionals.com/group/ammatherapy
AMMA Therapy(R) is a form of Asian Bodywork. More information can be found at the AMMA Therapy(R) group.
Maria Troia, MSEd, LMT, NCTMB, CH
www.kiraholistic.com
Sep 20, 2009
Michael Turton
Presented by Pedro C. Yee, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM)
AOBTA Registered Instructor (AOBTA), Certified Oi Healer (CHAC)
The Center for Tuina Therapy
68 Union Ave.
Clifton, NJ
Saturday and Sunday, June 26-27, 2010, 10-4 PM - Fee: $200 - Tuina for the Lower Extremities: this workshop will focus on Tuina methods for hip sprain-strain, knee pain, lower leg pain, ankle sprain, and foot pain.
Pre-Register now http://www.tuinatherapy.com/seminars/index.html
These workshops will teach the treatment methods and protocols for Structural Disorders as addressed by Tuina-Chinese Bodywork Therapy. You will learn powerful hand techniques and Qi Gong Methods as well as treatment theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine and have an overview of Western Scientific Principles of treatment. Qi Gong methods for self-care will also be addressed. These workshops are good for Acupuncturists, Herbologists, Massage Therapists, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Energetic workers, Chiropractors, Martial Artists or anyone wishing to explore healing methods.
May 25, 2010
Takeshi Muro
Almost all Massages and Chiropractic came from Tuina.
Tuina is Oldest real Chinese therapy.
Takeshi Muro
Jul 2, 2010
Tracey Dawson
Sep 22, 2010
Michael Turton
http://www.taoistsanctuary.org/products/tuinabooks_vid.html
Bill Helm is an AOBTA certified instructor, the Dean of Allied Arts at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and Director of the Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego. Bill also teaches classes at Mueller College of Massage and IPSB.
Sep 22, 2010
Tracey Dawson
Sep 22, 2010
Diedre Seeley
Oct 29, 2010
Daniel Cohen
Feb 18, 2011
Daniel Cohen
Mar 29, 2011
Bruce Schaefer
May 4, 2011