What is acupressure?
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.
(please give credit to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupressure Acupressure (a blend of “acupuncture” and “pressure”) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices.
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.
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?
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.
