Acupressure

Acupressure is the application of pressure on specific points on the body to control symptoms such as pain or digestive issues. It is an alternative medicine technique often used in conjunction with acupuncture or reflexology.

It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body. It is used in some kinds massage therapy like the Japanese practice “Shiatsu.”

Acupressure therapy stimulates the body’s circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems,” explains Kumar Pandey. It helps relieve stress and anxiety, improves sleep, relaxes your muscles and joints, regulates digestive issues, minimize headaches and migraines, and is also beneficial for back pains and menstrual cramps.

Positive results from acupressure can be seen within one session or may need multiple, depending on the severity of your concern—it differs from case to case.

How acupressure works and helps to relieve pain?

Acupressure works by applying pressure on specific body points to ease the flow of energy(qi). The Energy (Qi) flows through meridians located near the surface of the body.

There are 12 meridians(channels) linked to each specific organs on their Acupoints, or pressure points, such as the liver, heart, and kidneys. points are located on the specific channels (meridians).

When precise pressure is exerted onto an acupoint, the gate is opened and qi flows through reliving the pain or discomfort.

Application of pressure requires high precision as there are 365 points located on the major meridians, plus there are over 655 pressure points. Similar to the Blood circulatory system’s network of blood vessels, each channel has a network of connections to various organs.

Different techniques are used to affect qi in the channels. These techniques include tonify, disperse, and calm. Weak qi would require tonifying. Blocked qi would be dispersed, and overactive qi would be calmed.

The pressure administered is often held for several seconds to minutes. Pressure may be applied in circular movements, pushing the acupoint in and out, or a combination. Although the points manipulated may be sensitive, acupressure should not be painful. Depending upon the condition, treatment may be given every other day or a few times daily.

Who invented acupressure?

Acupressure seems to have its origins in China, around more than 5,000 years ago. Its is based on the theories of qi (chi), that translates literally to “breath”, but figuratively refers to a life force or energetic flow within every living thing.

This force moves through energetic lines, or meridians, in the body, which can become blocked.

Acupressure massage therapy is performed by a trained practitioner/acupressurist. Acupressurists study about the nervous system of the body and help patients to overcome pain and disease by pressing the body’s meridian points or energy pathways, using their fingers, palm, elbow, feet or some other special devices.

Can Acupressure help reduce diabetes, thyroid, tinnitus, kidney failure or improve eyesight?

Massaging Acupoints for five minutes with gentle pressure helps improve digestion and blood circulation. This helps to lower blood sugar levels. You can use this acupressure treatment for diabetes every day as it is safe and has no known side effects. You can get more info on this with link given in the references “Effect of self-acupressure on fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin level in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized clinical trial”

Acupressure therapy stimulates the body’s circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems which frees up energy blockages said to cause health concerns. Thus it helps relieve

stress and anxiety,
improves sleep,
relaxes your muscles and joints,
regulates digestive issues,
minimize headaches and migraines,
beneficial for back pains and
menstrual cramps.

Positive results from acupressure can be seen within one session or may need multiple, depending on the severity of your concern—it differs from case to case.

Similarly in Electro Acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into acupoints or acupressure points on the body and low voltage current is passed on those needles.