Korean Massage (Amma Therapy / Kyung Rak)

This special type of massage has been helping people feel better for many years. Kyung Rak is one of the most important Korean massage styles we offer. It works deep in your muscles to help you feel good.

Kyung Rak focuses on energy channels in your body. These channels are like rivers that carry energy through you. When these rivers get blocked, you might feel pain or get sick. Kyung Rak massage helps to clear these blockages.

This massage comes from old Korean healing traditions. People in Korea have been using it for hundreds of years to stay healthy. It’s part of their culture and way of life.

Understanding Meridian Energy Channels

Energy channels, or meridians, are paths where energy flows in your body. Korean medicine believes these channels connect different parts of your body.

When these channels get blocked, you might feel:

• Pain in your muscles.
• Tiredness.
• Stress.
• Other health problems.

These energy streams connect to special points on your body. When a massage therapist presses these points, it can help your whole body feel better.

Korean massage is similar to Chinese and Japanese massage, but it has its own special techniques. All these types of massage work with energy channels, but each has its own way of doing it.

The idea of meridians comes from ancient Korean medicine. They believed that good health means having energy that flows freely through your body. When energy gets stuck, that’s when problems start.

Key Principles and Techniques of Kyung Rak Massage

Deep Tissue Techniques

Kyung Rak massage uses strong pressure to reach deep muscles. The massage therapist uses:

• Their hands to press and rub.
• Fists to work on tight muscles.
• Elbows to reach deep tissue.

The pressure helps to break up knots in your muscles. It might feel strong, but it shouldn’t hurt too much.

Some Kyung Rak massages use special oils. These oils can help your muscles relax and make the massage work better.

The therapist will often work slowly, spending time on areas that feel tight or painful. They know how to find the spots that need the most attention.

Energy Balancing Approach

The main goal of Kyung Rak is to balance your energy. It does this by:

Releasing tension where energy is stuck. When energy can’t flow, it causes problems. The massage helps to get it moving again.

Pressing on special points along the energy channels. These points are like gates that control energy flow.

Using special movements to help energy move through your body. These movements follow the path of the energy channels.

Korean massage believes that when your energy is balanced, your body can heal itself better.

Unlike some other massages that just work on muscles, Kyung Rak tries to fix the root cause of problems by balancing your energy.

Health and Therapeutic Benefits

Physical Benefits

Kyung Rak massage can help your body in many ways:

• It makes your blood flow better. This brings more oxygen to your muscles and organs.
• It helps remove toxins from your body. When the massage moves your muscles, it pushes waste out.
• It can reduce pain in your muscles and joints. Many people with back pain or sore muscles feel better after a massage.
• It helps your digestion work better. Massaging certain points can improve how your stomach and intestines work.

Many people also notice they have more energy after getting regular Kyung Rak massages. When your energy flows better, you feel more alive.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

The massage doesn’t just help your body. It also helps your mind:

• It reduces stress and worry. The relaxing feeling of massage helps calm your mind.
• It can help if you feel sad or can’t sleep. Many people sleep better after getting a massage.
• It releases emotional tension. Sometimes we hold emotions in our bodies, and massage helps let them go.
• It improves your overall mental health. When your body feels good, your mind often feels better too.

In Korean tradition, they don’t separate mind and body health. They believe that when your energy is balanced, both your mind and body benefit.

Specialised Applications of Kyung Rak

Kyung Rak Body Treatment

Full-body Kyung Rak treats your whole body. It works on all the main energy channels.

Some people say it helps reduce stubborn fat. The massage can improve how your body processes fat.

A typical session lasts about an hour. The therapist will work on different parts of your body.

For best results, you might need several sessions. Many people get a massage once a week or once a month.

The massage often starts at your feet and moves up your body. This follows the natural flow of energy and helps the whole treatment work better.

Facial Kyung Rak Massage

Facial Kyung Rak focuses on the muscles in your face:

It helps relax tight facial muscles. This can make you look less stressed or tired.

It can make your skin look better. Better blood flow brings nutrients to your skin.

Some people say it helps shape your face, especially around the jawline. It can make your face look more defined.

It might reduce wrinkles and fine lines. When facial muscles relax, wrinkles often look less noticeable.

Many people choose facial Kyung Rak as a natural alternative to other facial treatments. It works with your body’s natural processes instead of using chemicals.

What to Expect During a Kyung Rak Session

A typical session lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The therapist will ask about your health before starting.

The massage feels strong. It’s deeper than a relaxing massage, but it shouldn’t be painful.

You might have some slight bruising after the massage. This is normal and usually goes away in a few days.

After the massage, you might feel:

• Very relaxed.
• A little sore (like after exercise).
• Thirsty (it’s good to drink water).
• More energetic.

For best results, most therapists suggest getting a massage every 2-4 weeks.

During the massage, you’ll usually lie on a massage table. The room will be quiet and peaceful. Some places play soft music to help you relax.

You should tell your therapist if anything hurts too much. They can adjust the pressure to make it comfortable for you.

Modern Adaptations and Availability

Today, Kyung Rak has some modern versions. These might include new techniques or tools.

You can find Korean massage in many spas and wellness centres around the world. It’s becoming more popular outside of Korea.

Massage therapists need special training to do Kyung Rak properly. Look for someone with proper certification.

Some places combine Kyung Rak with other types of massage or treatments. This can give you more benefits.

As more people learn about the benefits of Korean massage, it’s becoming easier to find. Many people are discovering this ancient healing art for the first time.

Who Can Benefit from Kyung Rak

Almost anyone can benefit from Kyung Rak massage. It’s especially helpful for:

• People with chronic pain. The deep pressure and energy work can help reduce long-term pain.
• Those who feel stressed or anxious. The massage helps calm your nervous system.
• Athletes and active people. It can help muscles recover faster after exercise.
• People who sit at desks all day. It helps fix posture problems and relieve tension from sitting.
• Older adults. It can help maintain flexibility and reduce pain from aging joints.

However, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions should talk to their doctor before getting this type of massage.