Almost everyone has heard of acupuncture, but not too many people have heard about acupressure. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique based on the same ideas as acupuncture; it involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices, on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body. Both acupressure and acupuncture, as well as other therapies such as Shiatsu and reflexology, are based on the concept of a person's energy, or life force.Although many people practice these techniques all around the world, there is no scientific proof regarding their efficacy (or lack thereof). There is no physically verifiable anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupoints.
Supposedly, when these acupressure points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood. This should also activate the body's life force energy to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points and meridians, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle but firm pressure. People who enjoy the benefits of acupressure claim that it can help alleviate headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression, toothache, dizziness, menstrual pain, digestive disorders including diarrhea and constipation, nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, stress, and tiredness.
Acupressure history
As previously mentioned, acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine bodywork technique which involves placing physical pressure on different pressure points on the surface of the body in order to bring relief through greater balance and circulation of energies in the body.
This energy is called the %26ldquo;qi%26rdquo;.
It is interesting that probably the earliest evidence of use of the meridian acupoints system for health purposes has been found in Europe. One 5,000 years old mummy called %26Ouml;tzi the Iceman, found preserved in an Alpine glacier seems to have tattoos, some of which could point the way for a modern acupuncturist.
Acupressure shares basic principles with acupuncture, but the pressure is applied directly to the acupoints of the body mainly by using the hands, fingers, or knuckles and sometimes by using a smooth, blunt object.
How Does It Work?
The concepts of internal and external energy and environment are very important to the philosophy of traditional Asian medicine. They believe that the human body encloses a perpetual flow of bio-energy, or life-force, called %26quot;chi, %26quot;ki%26quot; or %26quot;qi%26quot;. This energy flows into the body and along specific pathways called meridians, influencing the functioning of all organs. This is a crucial concept because, in healthy individuals, this flow maintains a constant balance of both itself and the external environment. When external or internal events occur which disturb this balance, disease ensues. But the story isn%26rsquo;t that simple! Along these meridians, there are many pressure points that act as %26quot;valves%26quot; for the flow of chi. Stimulation of these points, when properly performed, acts to restore balance to the internal environment, thereby relieving symptoms of the condition that disturbed the balance.
Acupressure techniques: Pressing and reducing points
There are two ways that acupressure points are manipulated: pressing and reducing them.
Pressing: Usually the fingers are used to press, but the experts sometimes find that for many points the fingers may be a bit too thick. Objects 3-4 mm thick are used, like a pencil eraser that's on the butt-end of a pencil. Sometimes even a fingernail could be used. Pressing points for as little as half a second can have a distinguishable effect. However, to get a full effect however, pressure should be applied for at least half a minute.
Reducing: To reduce a point, a person should turn a finger over it in counter-clockwise direction, also for 1-2 minutes. This should cause a full healing effect. It is also important to keep in mind that one should not get into the habit of doing the same points every day. They should be pressed or reduced only when really needed.
What can the manipulation of points bring about?
Acupuncture points can be manipulated in various ways. Beside the %26ldquo;usual%26rdquo; manipulations, sometimes acupuncturists also apply heat by burning moxa, using a laser, or applying electric current. This way the therapist increases energy in areas that the point influences.
Reducing a point is actually not the opposite of reinforcing it. By reducing, an acupuncturist removes a blockage of energy. How do we know where the blockade of energy is? Well, a blockage may be felt as tension, pain, or heat. Energy accumulates there, and starts moving again only after removing the blockage. You can reduce a point by continually moving a finger counterclockwise over it.
How to recognize the %26ldquo;right%26rdquo; point?
When a therapist is not feeling any effects from pressing points, there may be several different causes.
%26bull; The therapist may not be pressing the exact right spot, because acupoints are about 0.5 mm in diameter
%26bull; The therapist could be pressing too lightly
%26bull; The therapist should always check the efficacy on a patients face because almost all points have some effect. Not only that, many of the points also have some subtle effect on the quality of vision, so the patient may see more clearly.
Needles vs. fingers
When we use needles, we%26rsquo;re performing acupuncture, not accupressure. Many therapists first started as acupuncturist and then moved on to acupressure, discouraged by the risks of damaging tissue. Acupuncture may also damage blood vessels, nerves, tendons or bone, which can all be quite painful. On the breast or shoulders, you may puncture the lung. Using needles as an amateur may not even be legal.
Warnings
The most important thing there is to know about acupuncture and acupressure is that they should never be used to replace standard emergency procedures or licensed medical treatment. If someone is seriously injured or has persistent symptoms, he or she should immediately seek conventional medical treatment
Acupressure should not be used:
%26bull; As the only treatment for illness
%26bull; If a patient has a heart condition
%26bull; Just before or within 20 minutes after heavy exercise, a large meal, or bathing
%26bull; If the pressure should be applied under a mole, wart, varicose vein, abrasion, bruise, cut, or any other break in the skin
%26bull; If a patient is pregnant, especially more than 3 months
Shiatsu %26ndash; a version of acupressure
The Japanese practice of Shiatsu literally means %26quot;finger pressure.%26rdquo; It is a skill very similar to acupressure. During a Shiatsu massage thumbs are most commonly used to apply pressure, although other fingers, knuckles, palms, elbows and even feet can be used. The degree of pressure that is applied varies, as well as the duration.
Luo Points
Luo Points is an acupuncture term referring to special points that are believed to have greater significance. According to acupuncture theory, these 12 points are places where the body can be manipulated in order to get the optimal effect when applying acupuncture.
Fire Cupping
There is one more version of acupressure, based on creating a vacuum next to the patient's skin. In traditional Chinese medicine it involves placing glass, plastic, or bamboo cups on the skin to create vacuum. Cupping is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain.
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