5000 Year Old Therapy
Developed about 5,000 years ago in China, acupressure involves applying pressure with thumbs and fingertips to the same points on the body stimulated in acupuncture, which uses needles. The complementary therapy has grown in popularity in recent years.Acupressure works on the principle that there are more than 360 "acupoints" all over the body and each has a specific effect on an organ or system, such as the bladder or intestine.
Each of the acupoints is located on one of 14 "meridians," which are the body's energy channels connected to all of its systems. Anything that disturbs the energy flow in the body can make us ill, but stimulating specific pressure points makes the energy flow freely again. There are different styles of acupressure. Shiatsu, for example, one of the Japanese forms, can be quite vigorous in application, with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five seconds. Another style, Jin shin, is gentler and involves pressing a point for a minute or more.
Acupressure vs. Acupuncture
Acupressure and acupuncture use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet).
Acupressure and Acupuncture Accepted by Medical Community
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 Benefits
Acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress. Additional benefits include, relieving/reducing:
- Ulcer pain,
- Menstrual cramps,
- Constipation,
- Indigestion,
- IBS,
- Tension headaches
- Anxiety,
- Lethargy
- Insomnia.
There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to increase circulation, help rid toxins, balance the body and maintain good health. One of the most important benefits of self-acupressure is stress reduction.
By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. By focusing on relieving pain, discomfort and stress before it develops into a condition where the constrictions and imbalances cause further damage, acupressure can improve your condition, increase flexibility, improve range of motion, increase energy and improve your overall feeling of wellness.
At Home Acupressure Tips
Acupressure
is safe to do on yourself and others - even if you've never done it
before - so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to
the cautions.
Acupressure Tips to Relieve Mental Fatigue
With the tip of your index finger, press firmly into the groove between
your nose and upper lip and hold for 30 seconds. Then press gently into
the indentations above the outside edge of your eyebrows.
Acupressure Tips to Relieve Physical Fatigue
Make a fist, and rub the sole of your foot with your knuckles. Continue for 30 seconds, then repeat with the other foot.
Acupressure Tips to Relieve Nausea
Use your middle and index fingers to press on the groove between the two tendons on the inside of your wrist, one inch above the wrist crease. Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Acupressure Tips to Relieve Headaches, Muscle or Joint Pain
Squeeze the fleshy webbing on your hand between your thumb and index finger. Hold for 1 minute, then repeat on the other hand.
Acupressure Tips to Relieve Low Back Pain
Lie on your back, with your feet on a sofa or chair. Put two tennis
balls under your lower back on either side of your spine. Stay this way
for 1 minute or until it becomes uncomfortable.
Acupressure Tips to Relieve Knee Pain
Place a tennis ball on a pillow, then place your leg over it so the
ball is pushing into the crease behind your knee. Find the sensitive
spot just below your kneecap and slightly to the outside of the
shinbone. Press into it lightly with your forefinger for about 1 minute.