China 3000 BC

The first documented descriptions of massage dating back to about 3,000 BC were discovered in China. Chinese Taoist priests practiced ‘Qi Gong’ - meditative movement revealing and cultivating the vital life force. Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the principle that every illness, ailment or discomfort in the body is due to an imbalance of ‘Qi’.

Qigong (also spelled Ch'i Kung) is a powerful system of healing and energy medicine from China. It is the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, and meditation to cleanse, strengthen, and circulate the life energy (qi). Qigong practice leads to better health and vitality and a tranquil state of mind. In the past, qigong was also called nei gong (inner work) and dao yin (guiding energy).

In Chinese, am-ma means “push-pull.” Various forms of massage and bodywork have been practiced in China for thousands of years, and many of these ancient techniques continue to be used to this day. The goal of Amma massage is to balance the flow of energy in the client's body, promoting a feeling of general good health and also addressing specific medical conditions which may be troubling the client.