Acupressure is a technique similar to acupuncture where energies in the body are manipulated by touching certain points. When these energies become out of balance, disease ensues.
On this page, I will discuss the theory behind acupressure, and some simple techniques you can employ to help with your particular circumstances.
What Is the Theory Behind Acupressure?
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), within the human body there is a life force, or energy called qi, that flows along particular pathways in the body called meridians.
It is believed that in healthy individuals, this energy is constantly in balance with itself and its external environment.
Along each meridian, there are certain points, called pressure points or acupoints, that, when touched, can affect the body both emotionally and physically.
There is thought to be 14 meridians through which this energy flows connecting our organs with other parts of our body.
If the flow of qi is blocked, this disruption of energy is thought to be the cause of all disease.
There is no consensus among scientists concerning how it works.
One theory is that pressing certain points along the body may cause the release of endorphins, which are chemicals that function to relieve pain.
An alternative theory is that pressing these points may influence the autonomic nervous system, which automatically regulates different organ systems throughout the body.
How Is Acupressure Done?
To stimulate an acupoint correctly, you must apply deep pressure to various points on your body.
For example, you should apply pressure with your fingertip, a knuckle or a pencil eraser.
You can stimulate these points as often as you like, there is no limit to how many times you can do these exercises daily.
Before beginning, try to accurately determine what your problem is so that you can determine which point to stimulate.
Here is a website that gives you an alphabetical list of symptoms, to help you find which point you need to stimulate:AcuGuide
On this page, you will see diagrams displaying the approximate location of a point.
Once you have found your point, apply a deep probing pressure with your fingertip to the area, until you feel a sharp twinge. It may initially be quite startling, and after a few minutes, you will fill a numbing or tingling sensation originating from the point.
Continue to apply pressure to this area for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat this procedure on the same point on the opposite side of your body. You should feel relief immediately, perhaps a release of tension.
Sometimes points on opposite sides of the body will have different effects. If you notice your symptoms becoming worse, do not use that point on that side of your body.
If the first point doesn't work, try others, until you find one that does. The relief may be temporary. If it is, continue to re-stimulate the point. Often times, the pain will return, but it will be less each time.
Cautions and Side Effects
Acupressure should never be painful. If you experience any pain, discontinue your session.
Individuals with osteoporosis, or a recent bone fracture or injury, or that have bleeding disorders or circulatory problems, should not perform acupressure, unless under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
It should not be done over open wounds or bruises or on varicose veins. Also, individuals using blood thinners, such as Coumadin, should not employ this technique.
Additionally, pregnant women should consult their physician before using this procedure.
After a session, you may feel tenderness at the point stimulated. You may also notice that you are temporarily lightheaded.
In conclusion, there are different forms of acupressure that have been suggested for many conditions.
Perhaps the most promising area is the treatment of nausea by stimulating the acupoint on the wrist (P6).
It is a useful treatment for many conditions that is well tolerated by most people. Just make sure that the proper amount of pressure is used.
However, it's probably a good idea to consult with your physician before using this technique, just to be safe.
