Natural Health

Acupressure is similar to shiatsu in that it involves applying pressure to key points on the body’s energy system. It is based on the same theory of traditional Chinese medicine as acupuncture, which claims good health is maintained by regulating the flow of energy through invisible channels in the body called meridians.

Practitioners use mostly fingers and thumbs to apply pressure to the same points used by acupuncturists. Often acupressure is not practiced as a separate discipline, but is used to complement acupuncture or incorporated into traditional Chinese massage, which is called tuina. Acupuncturists may also teach patients some acupressure techniques to use at home.

How Does Acupressure Works?

No one knows exactly how acupressure works. One theory is that pressure over certain nerve fibers blocks the pathways of pain in the body. Another is that stimulating certain energy points releases the body’s own natural painkillers, called endorphins. Other research has shown that energy points are areas of skin which conduct electricity much better than the surrounding skin, so stimulating them may release blocked energy.

What we do know is that there is a good deal of research to prove the benefits of acupuncture in relieving pain, treating nausea and addictions, lifting depression and enhancing the immune system. In fact the World Health Organization has identified over 40 conditions in which acupuncture has proved beneficial. It is assumed that acupressure has a similar, but weaker effect on the body. As such it can be helpful for minor or short term problems or ailments related to stress and tension, rather than disease.

Self Help With Acupressure

The self-help aspect of acupressure is often considered its greatest strength. You can use acupressure yourself or, even better, ask a friend to help. Apply quite deep, firm pressure with your thumb or fingertips so that you feel a little discomfort. This tender feeling is a good indication that you have found the right point, and it should soon ease. Apply pressure for 2 to 3 minutes at a time, or as long as it takes to feel an aching numbness in the point. Repeat the treatment every day until symptoms start to clear, and then treat less often. For persistent health problems always consult your doctor or a registered therapist.

Clear Headache With Acupressure

Rest your fore fingers on your forehead, approximately one finger width above the middle of each eyebrow. Move your fingers around until you find the points that ache under slight pressure, and massage down towards the eyes. This works for frontal headaches if applied as soon as you feel the headache coming on. For aches over the whole head, press on the point in the web of flesh between the thumb and fore­finger, and the point on the outside of the shin. It can help to press firmly on a point in the middle of the ear lobe, just below the cartilage, using your fore finger and thumb.

Sleep Well With Acupressure

Find the tender spot on the inside of your ankle, in the hollow just behind your ankle bone. Press firmly on the point with your thumb and massage up towards the inside of your knee. Repeat on the other foot.

Avoid Catching A Cold With Acupressure

On your leg, find the tender spot just below the knee cap and in line with your fourth toe. Massage down towards your foot with your thumb, or one finger, for three minutes on each leg. It’s a good idea to do this every day while colds are around, as a preventative measure. This point is good for period pain, migraine and tonsillitis too. Simply follow the same procedure.

Relieve Nausea With Acupressure

Press with your right thumb on the inside of your left wrist approximately two finger-widths up from the heel of your hand and in line with your ring finger. Apply firm pressure to the point until you feel a dull ache and massage with the thumb down towards the wrist. Repeat on the other hand.

Ease Constipation With Acupressure

Press the thumb of your right hand into the web of flesh that lies between your thumb and fore finger on the outside of your left hand. Feel for the tender spot near where the bones meet and, using firm pressure, massage towards the wrist. Repeat on the other hand.

Is acupressure as beneficial as acupuncture?

Acupuncture acts more deeply than acupressure and is much better for serious or chronic medical conditions. For minor ailments, stress relief, self-help and for people who do not like needles, acupressure can be helpful. It is also good for muscular pain in areas of large muscles, such as the back, neck and shoulders, where it can improve the circulation and relieve stiffness and tension.

Is self-help as good as professional help?

Acupressure given by a trained therapist is more effective than treating yourself because the therapist works to balance the entire body, not just to eliminate your symptoms. Professional treatment also involves working along the whole meridian, some of which may be inaccessible when treating yourself. A professional treatment is also better because it is more relaxing.

Acupressure Is Good For:

• Relaxation
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Digestive upsets
• Pain relief
• Anxiety and stress relief
• Insomnia
• Arthritis
• Hay fever
• High blood pressure
• Women’s health problems
• Cramps
• Sports injuries
• Ear, nose and throat problems
• Asthma
• Eczema and other skin disorders

Acupressure:

AVAILABILITY – Widespread

MEDICAL EVIDENCE – Good

MEDICAL ACCEPTANCE – Mixed

SELF HELP – Possible