Acupressure
Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique derived from acupuncture. Acupressure is performed without needles by using deep finger pressure at certain points, practitioners can reduce tension, increase circulation and offer relief for many complaints. It is a part of Chinese Traditional Medicine and often described as "Acupuncture without the needles". . Healing is said to be promoted by the flow of energy though meridians, releasing tension and improving circulation.
Advantages of Acupressure include relieving pain, balancing the body, and maintaining good health. Acupressure's healing touch reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure therapy strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness. Learn self-acupressure point formulas for various energy imbalances and healing applications.
The concepts of internal and external environment are very important to the philosophy of traditional Asian medicine. The human body, it is believed, encloses a perpetual flow of bio-energy, or life-force, called "chi, "ki" or "qi". This energy flows into the body and along specific pathways called "meridians", influencing the functioning of all the organs. In healthy individuals, this flow maintains a constant balance with both itself and the external environment. When external or internal events occur which disturb this balance, disease ensues. Along the meridians are a large number of pressure points that act as "valves" for the flow of chi. The stimulation of these points, when properly performed, acts to restore balance to the internal environment, thereby relieving symptoms.
In massage therapy, acupressurists will evaluate a patient's symptoms and overall health, but a massage therapists diagnostic training isn't as extensive as a Chinese physician's. In a massage therapy treatment, a person usually lies down on a table or mat, with thin clothing on. The acupressurist will gently feel and palpate the abdomen and other parts of the body to determine energy imbalances. Then, the therapist will work with different meridians throughout the body, depending on which organs are imbalanced in the abdomen. The therapist will use different types of finger movements and pressure on different acupoints, depending on whether the chi needs to be increased or dispersed at different points. The therapist observes and guides the energy flow through the patient's body throughout the session. Sometimes, special herbs (Artemesia vulgaris or moxa) may be placed on a point to warm it, a process called moxibustion. A session of acupressure is generally a very pleasant experience, and some people experience great benefit immediately. For more chronic conditions, several sessions may be necessary to relieve and improve conditions.
