Amma Massage is a form of accupressure and energy balancing. This type of massage focuses on the energy channels throughout the body that correspond to different organs and those channels that have no link to a specific organ, but facilitate the healthy functioning of the body. Manipulation of theses channels and the points of influence that lie along them will remove any block in energy flow that may manifest as illness or discomfort.

In ancient Chinese, the word am-ma means "push-pull". Amma dates back five thousand years to the period of the legendary Chinese Yellow Emperor,Hwang Ti. During this period China had a comparably evolved system of medicine, both rooted in a philosophy that included the earliest theories of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements of the body as they relate to the organs and to the planets.

Chinese medicine developed through focusing not only on healing, but on preventing illness as well. They did so by utilising therapeutic bodywork, acupuncture, herbalism, dietary therapy, exercise, meditation and moderation in living.

Amma therapy was adopted by Japan and Korea when Buddhist monks brought the techniques to these countries. It was mandatory that anyone who wanted to become a doctor in Japan practice massage therapy. This practice was known as anma. The Chinese principles of bodywork adopted by the Koreans were called by their ancient Chinese name, amma. Amma therapy was brought to the states from Korea by Tina Sohn. She has developed the techniques of Amma to new levels and sensitivities.

Amma Therapy is a highly refined system of bodywork therapy. Rooted in the same fundamental principles of acupuncture and herbalism, Amma therapy focuses on the balance and movement of energy in the body. The techniques of Amma therapy aim to remove blockages and free the flow of energy in the body, thereby restoring, promoting and maintaining optimum health.

Whereas the acupuncturist will insert needles into energy pathways, the massage therapist utilising Amma therapy relies primarily on the sensitivity and the strength of the hands to manipulate and balance the flow of life energy throughout the body.

The life energy or Qi flows along pathways commonly known as channels. These channels form an energetic web throughout the body. The channels of Qi nourish and defend the body. As well, it is through these pathways, that harmful energies gain access to deeper regions of the body. Amma therapy, along with proper diet and exercise can discourage pathological changes.

Decisions on what, when and how to treat depends on a number of factors: the assessment of the therapist, the purpose of the patient's visit and the severity of the signs and symptoms. The process of assessment uses both Western and Eastern techniques, combining Oriental medical principles for assessing energy imbalances with a Western approach to organ dysfunction. A diagnosis is based on the Four Traditional Methods: looking, asking, touching and smelling. This includes the assessment of every facet of the mind-body complex, including observation of the tongue, the taking of various pulses, palpation and evaluation of diet, complexion, bowel movements, posture, emotions, vitality, personal likes and dislikes, smells, tastes and sounds. Every sign and symptom reflects the internal state of the body and can be used in assessment. Once a comprehensive assessment is made and energy imbalances and organ dysfunction diagnosed, the therapist will then use the appropriate hand manipulations to remove blockages, free the flow of energy and bring healing energy to problem areas.