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Acupressure: Definition, Benefits and Uses

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Acupressure, which has been practiced in China for thousands of years, uses the same principles as acupuncture to promote relaxation, wellbeing, and disease treatment. It is a harmless and mild alternative therapy that is used to treat a variety of ailments. It’s a technique for treating illness and discomfort by triggering the body’s self-healing capabilities.

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is one of many Asian bodywork therapies (ABT) that have their origins in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Medical Qigong and Tuina are two more Asian bodywork therapies. Shiatsu, on the other hand, is a type of acupressure that originated in Japan.

This therapy does not use any invasive methods, unlike some forms of Western medicine. A trained practitioner applies pressure to certain body locations with their thumbs and fingers (and even the elbow).

Acupressure, also known as pressure acupuncture, is commonly mistaken for acupuncture without the needles.

How it Works

Acupressure releases qi by applying pressure to specific points on the body. Because there are approximately 650 distinct pressure points and 365 points on the primary channels, pressure application demands precision. Each channel has a network of connections, similar to the circulatory system’s network of vessels.

Qi circulates through passageways near the body’s surface. Meridians, or meridian points, are another name for channels. The liver, heart, and kidneys are among the 12 channels associated to specific organs. On the channels are acupoints, or pressure points (meridians). The gate is opened and qi flows through when exact pressure is applied to an acupoint.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) considers the entire body in terms of qi, or energy, as opposed to Western medicine, which normally focuses on a single symptom or condition. Good health is experienced when qi flows freely throughout the body. If this flow of energy is obstructed (for example, due to trauma), acupressure can help to restore the body’s balance by releasing qi.

Acupressure practitioners apply pressure to acupoints on the body’s meridians using their fingers, palms, elbows, or feet, or with special instruments. Acupressure may also include stretching or acupressure massage, among other techniques.

You recline completely clothed on a comfortable massage table during an acupressure session. Acupressure points on your body are softly pressed by the practitioner. A normal session lasts around an hour. For the best results, you may require many sessions.

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What are benefits of Acupressure

There are presently no studies examining the efficacy of acupressure. The study of acupressure’s health advantages is still in its early stages. Nonetheless, many patient reports back up its use for a variety of ailments. Acupressure appears to help with the following health issues:

  • – Tiredness caused by cancer and other types of fatigue.
  • – Nausea and vomiting, as well as morning sickness, motion sickness, and other associated with pregnancy. The use of wrist acupressure to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting has been supported by several studies.
  • – After surgery or chemotherapy where nausea or vomiting may occur.
  • – During the procedure of spinal anesthesia
  • – Tension and discomfort in the muscles
  • – Stress reduction
  • – Cramps during menstruation
  • – Insomnia
  • – Headache
  • – Acupressure has been reported to help reduce stress, boost energy levels, relieve pain, and alleviate various symptoms of cancer and its therapies, in addition to alleviating nausea after chemotherapy. More study is required to verify these claims.
  • – Acupressure may help with low back pain, postoperative pain, or headaches, according to preliminary data. Other types of pain might help as well. The LI 4 pressure point is occasionally used to treat headaches.
  • – According to certain research, acupressure releases endorphins and promotes anti-inflammatory effects, which may aid in the treatment of some kinds of arthritis.
  • – Anxiety and depression. More than one study has found that acupressure can help with fatigue and mood. To be certain, better-designed experiments are required.
  • – Acupressure in five points of body had a positive effect on physiological parameters, and showed that after a short time of interventions these parameters lead to promotion over time.

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Common Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points can be found all throughout the body, and there are far too many to list. Acupuncturists and acupressure practitioners frequently employ the following three:

    • – The large intestine 4 (LI 4) is located between your thumb and forefinger in a soft, fleshy web.
    • – The third liver (LR-3) is located on the top of your foot, between your big toe and next toe.
    • – Spleen 6 (SP-6) is located around three finger widths above the inner ankle bone.
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What are the Side Effects of Acupressure

Acupressure is generally considered to be highly safe. It should never be painful to use acupressure. Tell your therapist right once if you suffer any pain. Some people may experience discomfort or bruising at acupressure points after an acupressure treatment. You may also feel dizzy for a short time.

If you have cancer, arthritis, heart disease, or any chronic condition, talk to your doctor about any therapy that involves manipulating joints and muscles, such as acupressure. Additionally, confirm that your acupressure practitioner is licensed and certified.

If any of the following conditions apply, deep tissue work such as acupressure may need to be avoided:

    • – The treatment is for a malignant tumor or for cancer that has spread to the bones.
    • – You have rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, or a bone illness that physical manipulation could aggravate.
    • – You suffer from varicose veins.
    • – You’re expecting a child (because certain points may induce contractions)
    • – Acupressure should not be used on open wounds, bruises, varicose veins, or any other swollen or bruised area.

Summary

Acupressure, which has been practiced in China for thousands of years, uses the same principles as acupuncture to calm the mind, promote wellbeing, and treat disease. Acupressure, also known as pressure acupuncture, is often called acupuncture without the needles. There are presently no studies examining the efficacy of acupressure. The study of acupressure’s health advantages is still in its early stages. Nonetheless, many patient reports back up its use for a variety of ailments. Acupressure is generally considered to be highly safe. It should never be painful to use acupressure. Tell your therapist right once if you suffer any pain.

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