Acupressure

The purpose of acupressure is to promote the body's own healing power. When key acupressure points on the surface of the skin are pressed, muscular tension is released, and the circulation of blood and the body's vital life energy, which the Chinese call chi, is promoted. Acupressure can be used to treat numerous conditions. Among them are effects of daily stress, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, aches and pains, allergies, menstrual difficulties, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, nausea, and back pain.

Acupressure should not be used for certain conditions that require medical care, such as serious burns, ulcers, or infections. Caution should be taken with the use of abdominal pressure points, especially when the patient is ill. The abdominal area often is avoided when the patient has a life-threatening illness, such as intestinal cancer, or is pregnant.

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture because it treats blockages of energy at specific points along fourteen meridians, or channels, along the body. While acupuncture uses needles placed at the strategic points along the meridians, acupressure uses pressure usually applied with the fingers. The blockages of energy along these meridians can cause physical discomfort, pain, tension, and stress. The stimulation of points removes blockages by relaxing muscles, and allowing blood to flow more freely. It can also free an emotional block by releasing accumulated tension. The pressure may also release lactic acid that accumulates in muscle tissue. Lactic acid is produced by muscles during vigorous exercise, and it is usually removed from the blood by the liver. It can, however, accumulate in muscles.

The historic use of acupressure dates back over 5,000 years for the Japanese, who use a form called shiatsu. The Chinese have also used acupressure for centuries. In the West, the various systems of acupressure in use today include:

• Acu-Yoga: A system of whole-body stretches and yoga postures that press and activate points on the meridian channels.
• Jin Shin Jyutsu: A system of self-help acupressure that involves gentle touching of the body rather than massage-like movements.
• Do-In: A system of self acupressure, which involves massaging meridian points and muscles and also includes deep breathing and exercises, movement, and stretching.
• Shiatsu: A vigorous technique that involves rhythmic pressing of acupressure points.

During acupressure, light to medium pressure is applied to an acupressure point and it is rotated in a tight circle. Primarily, this is done with the fingers, thumbs, and hands. Sometimes the elbows or knees are used for key pressure points.

Since the most reactive points are tender or sensitive when pressed, this response helps to determine the right location. If the response cannot be felt, the pressure point location may not be correct or the pressure may not be strong enough. The sensations felt during an acupressure treatment should fall somewhere between pleasure and pain.

Acupressure on a single point can last thirty seconds, five minutes, or be continued for twenty minutes in one-minute sequences with rests in between. The length of the massage depends on the tolerance of the patient and on the type of acupressure. Shiatsu treatments, for example, can last 30-90 minutes.

Before receiving acupressure, patients are usually asked why they want acupressure, and are also asked about their current physical condition, medical history, and any areas of specific pain. Patients will undress in private and cover themselves with a sheet or gown. They lie down on a padded massage table, and only the areas of the body being treated are exposed during the session.

Because acupressure treatments lower the body temperature, making it more vulnerable to cold, it is important for patients to wear extra clothing and keep warm afterward.

Since acupressure may provide only temporary relief, practitioners may teach patients how to self-treat between sessions. Patients and family members can learn how to massage the pressure points. Relief is said to last longer as the body comes into its balance point and maintains energy flow over time with repeated treatments.

While acupressure can be used in combination with other forms of therapy, it should not be used as a replacement for necessary traditional medical treatment.

Normal results of acupressure include relief of pain and muscular discomfort, the correction of energy imbalances, and prevention of illness.