What is acupressure?

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique based on the same ideas as acupuncture. Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine does not usually operate within a scientific paradigm but some practitioners make efforts to bring practices into an evidence-based medicine framework. There is no scientific consensus over whether or not evidence supports the efficacy of acupressure beyond a placebo. Reviews of existing clinical trials have been conducted by the Cochran Collaboration and Bandolier according to the protocols of evidence-based medicine; for most conditions they have concluded a lack of effectiveness or lack of well-conducted clinical trials.  more

Acupressure is an ancient healing art using the fingers and other parts of the body to skillfully press key points, which stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these trigger points are pressed, they release muscular tension, and promote circulation of blood, and the body's life force energy to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same pressure points and meridians, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle to firm pressure and integrates bodywork therapies, therapeutic touch, somatic work, healing imagery, energy psychology, and massage therapy techniques. Advantages of Using Acupressure include relieving pain, balancing the body, and maintaining good health. Acupressure's healing touch reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure therapy strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.  more

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use of finger pressure (without the needles) on specific points along the body. Acupressure is is a way of accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centers in the body. Chinese cultures believe the points to be junctures of meridian pathways that carry energy called chi. Western scientists have also mapped out and proven the existence of these points using electrical devices. Acupressure massage therapy stimulates and activates the body s own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony. Some of the acupressure points are significant as they relate to a specific part of the body while others are more general in their effect. Acupressure can help alleviate ailments such as tension, stress, aches and pains, arthritis or menstrual cramps. Acupressure can also be used for general preventative health care. What is the Purpose of Acupressure?  more

Acupressure involves pressure points on the body with fingers or hands to alter the internal flow of a supposed vital force or energy called chi (pronounced “chee”), strengthening it, calming it or removing a blockage of the flow. Acupressure is one of a number of treatment methods regularly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, a system of health care that originated in China thousands of years ago, which is still widely practiced in Asian countries today. According to TCM, Acupressure points chart are aligned along 14 body meridians, or pathways. Twelve of the meridians are bilateral, that is, identical versions of them (with the same sets of points) exist on both sides of the body. The other two are unilateral, running along the midline of the body. The 14 meridians do not correspond to any known physiological processes or anatomical structures in the body, such as nerves or blood vessels. Nevertheless, some well–controlled studies suggest that Acupressure can be effective ...  more

Acupressure is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which relies on applying pressure to certain points of the body to relieve the symptoms of various complaints. It is also a form of bodywork; many massage therapists integrate acupressure into their repertoires to better serve their clients. An acupressure session typically leaves the client feeling energized, and hopefully less stressed as well. When performed by a competent professional, acupressure can also relieve an assortment of symptoms. TCM relies on a number of basic principles which have been refined over thousands of years of medical practice. One of the major principles of this medical tradition is the idea that health is governed by the flow of life force, or qi, through the body. Interruptions in this flow can lead to medical complaints, as the body's balance of energy is disrupted.  more

Acupressure is a way of accessing and releasing blocked or congested energy centers in the body. These energy centers or Acupoints lie on energy pathways called Meridians. When acupoints or meridians become blocked or congested you experience pain or discomfort on a physical level. On an emotional level you may become frustrated or irritable, and on a spirit (energetic) level you may experience a sense of feeling ungrounded, vulnerable, and have difficulty knowing your purpose in life. By using deep but gentle finger pressure on specific acupoints the blocked energy starts to release, allowing your body/mind to relax. As your body/mind relaxes, you have an opportunity to explore thought patterns, memories, and belief systems. Through mindful exploration, the way you experience your universe can change, allowing you an opportunity to manifest your purpose in life with less discomfort and stress; with a greater sense of wellbeing.  more

Excerpt from Acupressure's Potent Points Copyright 1990 by Michael Reed Gach, PhD. website www.acupressure.com Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technological methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity.

Acupressure is often called acupuncture without needles.  It is still a traditional chinese medicine technique but it uses manual pressure to stimulate acupoints versus needles.  Fingers, hands, knuckles, elbows, and other devices are used to apply pressure to the acupuncture points and this affects the flow of Qi.  Some of the devices for applying pressues are the Spine roller, Energy roller, Foot roller, Power mat, and Acu ball.

Chinese medicine views the body as a small part of the universe, subject to laws and principles of harmony and balance. Good health requires that our bodies have free flowing circulation of blood and energy. When there are blockages and deficiencies, it can lead to pain, illness and disease. Acupressure stimulates specific points on the body to release any imbalance. When these acupoints are stimulated, endorphins are released, muscle tension decreases, blood circulation increases and Qi is stimulated.  The Chinese system believes that emotions and mental states are every bit as influential on disease as purely physical mechanisms, and considers factors like work, environment, and relationships as fundamental to a patient's health. Chinese medicine also uses very different symbols and ideas to discuss the body and health.