English
I’m Sherry Steine, a Certified Aromatherapist, Yoga Therapist-in-training, and RYT-500 Therapeutic Yoga Teacher specializing in stress management, burnout, emotional wellness and restorative healing for women over 50. Through my own journey of transformation, I’ve learned that healing is not one-si…
FAQs:
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a type of massage therapy in which manual pressure is applied to specific points on the body. Acupressure is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is similar to acupuncture, except that it uses fingertip pressure instead of needles.
Which Health Problems Benefit From Acupressure?
Research into the health benefits of acupressure is in its infancy. Many patients report supporting its use for some health concerns. More well-designed research is needed, though. Here are a few health problems that appear to improve with acupressure:
1. Nausea. Several studies support the use of wrist acupressure to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting:
- After surgery
- During spinal anesthesia
- After chemotherapy
- From motion sickness
- Related to pregnancy
The PC 6 acupressure point is located in the groove between the two large tendons on the inside of the wrist that start at the base of the palm. There are special wristbands that are sold over the counter. These press on similar pressure points and work for some people.
2. Cancer. In addition to relieving nausea right after chemotherapy, there are individual reports that acupressure also helps reduce stress, improve energy levels, relieve pain, and lessen other symptoms of cancer or its treatments. More research is needed to confirm these reports.
3. Pain. Some preliminary evidence suggests that acupressure may help with low back pain, postoperative pain, or headache. Pain from other conditions may benefit, as well. To relieve headaches, the LI 4 pressure point is sometimes tried.
4. Arthritis. Some studies suggest that acupressure releases endorphins and promotes anti-inflammatory effects, helping with certain types of arthritis.
5. Depression and anxiety. More than one study suggests that fatigue and mood may improve from the use of acupressure. Better-designed trials are needed to be sure.
What Are The Four Pressure Points And How Do They Work?
In traditional Chinese medicine, the smooth flow of “Qi” through the body is essential to health. Qi is best defined as the life force that circulates our bodies in 14 channels or meridians. Pressure points are spots along these energy channels that can help free the flow of “Qi.” They are sometimes called acupoints. Acupuncturists use the same pressure points, but they access them with needles. Acupressure simply involves pressing or massaging at the site of the point.
What is the Difference Between Acupuncture and Acupressure?
Acupuncturists use hair-thin needles as a method of stimulation for different meridians, or acupoints, to help heal the body. While acupressure uses firm pressure from hands, wrists, and elbows in order to target and stimulate different meridians, or acupoints.
What Are The Basic Principles Of Acupressure?
Acupressure involves working with different types of finger movements on different acupoints, to increase or disperse [pressure] at different points on the patient’s body throughout the session,” says Pandey. It is meant to aid the body to stimulate and activate its healing energies. The therapy is also prescribed by traditional Chinese physicians “as a session of massage therapy or as a self-treatment for common aches and illnesses. It can be used by someone suffering from headaches, migraines, joint pain, body pain, stiffness, anxiety, stress, acidity, or another form of digestive issue.
Are There Any Precautions With Acupressure?
In general, acupressure is very safe. If you have cancer, arthritis, heart disease, or a chronic condition, be sure to discuss it with your doctor before trying any therapy that involves moving joints and muscles, such as acupressure. And, make sure your acupressure practitioner is licensed and certified.
Deep tissue work such as acupressure may need to be avoided if any of the following conditions apply:
- The treatment is in the area of a cancerous tumor or if cancer has spread to bones
- You have rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, or a bone disease that could be made worse by physical manipulation
- You have varicose veins
- You are pregnant (because certain points may induce contractions)
Can You Do Acupressure On Yourself?
Unlike acupuncture, which always requires a trained professional, acupressure can be performed on yourself once you understand the basics. When performing self-acupressure you need to use firm—but not uncomfortable—pressure while massaging and stimulating each point. You can massage in a circular motion or simply hold down. While you’re performing self-acupressure, remember to relax, breathe deeply, and listen to any cues from your body. Generally, you only need to perform self-acupressure for a few seconds, but you can also do your acupressure massage as many times as you need!
What are the Physiological Effects of Acupressure?
Massage can produce many important physiological effects on the body. The physiological effects of acupressure are increased capillarization and increased cellular exchange. Acupressure stimulates capillarization in the blood. Capillarisation is the increase of capillaries in the blood flow. Acupressure stimulates capillarization by encouraging a new resurgence of blood to an area after pressure is applied to a localized area. Increased capillarization can also increase the amount of oxygen in the tissues. Acupressure increases cellular exchange within soft tissues. Cellular exchange is the transfer of cells in and out of the tissues. Acupressure increases blood flow to an area so that oxygen and nutrients begin to replace metabolic wastes and toxins. Cellular exchange in the tissues is important to flush out bad cells and keep the tissues healthy.
What is Acupressure Massage Good For?
Acupressure is a specific massage technique that aims to decrease pain, clear tension in muscles, increase blood circulation and promote deep states of relaxation. Acupressure can be effective to relieve headaches, and backache and help to manage conditions such as fibromyalgia. The acupressure technique also aids healing within soft tissues so that recovery is increased.
Is Reflexology the Same as Acupressure?
Acupressure and reflexology are both bodywork techniques that involve applying pressure to specific points on the body to address health complaints, but these techniques are radically different. Acupressure involves the whole body, and it has thousands of years of tradition in Asia behind it, while reflexology involves primarily the feet, and it was developed in the 20th century.
Can Acupressure Help with Weight Loss?
The research on acupressure and weight loss is limited. However, the current literature suggests that acupressure may be effective in aiding weight loss for individuals with obesity. In a small systematic review from 2019, seven studies were analyzed to determine the potential impact of auricular acupressure on weight loss outcomes. Auricular acupressure is a specific type of acupressure that stimulates the pressure points of the ear. The studies included in the analysis compared the use of acupressure alone (or with other interventions) with other experimental treatments or no treatment. The authors found that auricular acupressure was effective in reducing both overall body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) in study participants. These results remained consistent whether the acupressure was administered alone or with diet and exercise. They also found that a longer acupressure treatment period was associated with a larger impact on reducing BW and BMI.
How Long Does Acupressure Take to Work?
With acupressure there can be a noticeable instant effect, however, it can also take 15 to 20 minutes until an alleviating effect occurs. With a little trial and error, and some practice, you will start finding the correct acupressure point faster and more accurately.
Where did Acupressure Originate?
Acupuncture and acupressure are closely related, and it’s thought that these therapies originate in China dating as far back as 2000 B.C. Over time, these practices spread across the world and different disciplines developed. Shiatsu, the Japanese version developed to use palm pressure, stretching, kneading, and other manipulation along with finger and thumb pressure. Reflexology is another form of acupressure concentrated on the application of pressure to the sole.
During the 1960s and 1970s, acupressure began to gain momentum across Europe and America with several Hollywood celebrities dabbling in the practice. Today, whilst it still remains hugely popular across Asia, there are also thousands of acupressure practitioners across the Western world. Even the practice of Yoga has embraced acupressure with Acu-Yoga, which focuses on certain yoga poses that place pressure on acupoints.
What is an Acupressure Professional?
An acupressure professional is a practitioner who performs acupressure which 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. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points, or ashi trigger points, to clear blockages in these meridians. Pressure may be applied by hand, by the elbow, or with various devices.
How Does Acupressure Work?
Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body's meridians. Sometimes, acupressure also involves stretching or acupressure massage, as well as other methods. During an acupressure session, you lie fully clothed on a soft massage table. The practitioner gently presses on acupressure points on your body. A session typically lasts about one hour. You may need several sessions for the best results.
The goal of acupressure or other types of Asian bodywork is to restore health and balance to the body's channels of energy and to regulate opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Some proponents claim acupressure not only treats the energy fields and body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit. Some even believe that therapists can transmit vital energy (external qi) to another person.
Not all Western practitioners believe that this is possible or even that these meridians exist. Instead, they attribute any results to other factors, such as reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, or stimulation of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
Different Types of Acupressure Therapy
The techniques of acupressure therapy used today are derived from ancient Chinese medicinal practices. The application of pressure to various points on the body is thought to help balance energy throughout the body and relieve tense muscles and stress. While all types of acupressure therapy use light to firm touches on various pressure points, there are different styles of therapy used by acupressure practitioners. Some practitioners specialize in only one type of therapy, while others perform different techniques depending on the client's desires and needs. The most common types of acupressure therapy are shiatsu, Tui Na, and Jin Shin Jyutsu.
Shiatsu massage incorporates traditional acupressure techniques of applying pressure with the fingertips to various pressure points on the body in rhythmic patterns. Many forms of shiatsu also include stretches and mental meditation exercises to facilitate the flow of energy, or ki, through the body. Shiatsu acupressure therapy is split into several subsets that employ slightly different techniques, such as Namikoshi shiatsu, hara shiatsu, and Zen shiatsu.
Tui Na is similar to a traditional massage with various types of pressure being applied to the client's body other than just prods with the fingertips. This form of acupressure therapy incorporates rubbing and kneading motions to stimulate circulation and help treat pain, inflammation, stiffness, and tension in the muscles and joints.
The Jin Shin Jyutsu form of acupressure therapy concentrates on 26 specific energy points throughout the body. These points are thought to be connected by energy pathways that can become blocked, which can lead to physical problems and mental or spiritual disharmony. Acupressurists who practice this type of therapy use both hands to focus on specific points to open up energy channels. The pressure used in Jin Shin Jyutsu treatments is gentle because the therapy does not focus on the skeletal system or muscles and is more of a philosophical and spiritual form of acupressure treatment.
What are the Risks of Acupressure
Acupressure should never be painful. If you feel any pain, tell your therapist at once. Some people may feel sore or have bruises at acupressure points after a session. You may also feel lightheaded for a while. Pressure should be gentle over sensitive areas, such as the face.
If you're pregnant, talk to your care provider before trying acupressure. During pregnancy, acupressure isn't usually done on:
- The abdomen
- Certain points on the leg
- The lower back
Acupressure shouldn't ever be done over any of these areas:
- Open wounds
- Bruises
- Varicose veins
- Swollen areas
If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider before trying acupressure.
- Osteoporosis
- Recent fracture or injury
- Cancer
- Easy bruising
- A bleeding disorder
- Heart disease
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Use of prescription anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, such as Coumadin (warfarin)
Difference Between Acupressure and Massage
Acupressure is used hand in hand with acupuncture, this is an alternative medicine technique that uses the concept of the flow of life energy through meridians. Treatment involves the application of pressure to the trigger points or acupuncture points. This aims at clearing blockages. The application of pressure is done through devices, the elbow, or hands.
Although there is no evidence of the effectiveness of acupressure, some studies reveal that it can help with tension back pain, low back pain, and stomach pains, among others.
Acupressure can be done by applying pressure, rolling, or rubbing on the reflex zones. Among devices that can be used include the acuball, the energy roller, the foot roller, the power mat, and the Teishein.
Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissues in the body to treat body pain or stress. It commonly uses fingers, hands, knees, elbows, a device, or forearms. Persons who carry out are known as a masseuse for females or masseurs for males. In some countries, they are referred to as massage therapists since they must get the relevant license.
Massages are performed with clients sitting on massage chairs or lying on massage tables or mats. The modalities of massages include deep tissue, trigger points, sports, medical, Swedish, structural integration, manual lymphatic drainage, and Thai massages.
There are many different types of massages practiced worldwide. These include Acupressure, Ashiatsu, Burmese massage, Biodynamic massage, Erotic massage, Lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, Shiatsu, Structural Integration, and erotic massage, just to name a few.
To summarize, Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique that uses the concept of the flow of life energy through meridians. It can be done by applying pressure, rolling, or rubbing on the reflex zones. On the other hand, massage refers to the manipulation of the soft tissues in the body to treat body pain or stress. It is performed with clients sitting on massage chairs or lying on massage tables or mats.
What Is An Acupressure Mat?
An acupressure mat (also called a spike mat or needle stimulation pad) is a pad that is covered with spikes made of non-toxic plastic. They are made to press into the skin without puncturing it. Depending on your intended use, you can sit, stand, or lie on the mats. The concept is simple: the mats apply pressure to specific body parts — called meridians, pressure points, or acupoints. It works the same way that acupressure or acupuncture does.
How Do Acupressure Mats Work?
Most people can use acupressure mats. But some groups should avoid using them or take caution to avoid piercing the skin. This includes people with diabetes, thin skin, open wounds, bleeding disorders, or poor circulation. If you are pregnant or have heart disease, cancer, or arthritis, talk to your provider before using an acupressure mat. Once you know it's safe to use an acupressure mat, you should be good to go. Most acupressure mats look like yoga mats with spikes. Some come with a rounded cervical pillow for your neck.
How to Use an Acupressure Mat
First, relax and lie down on the mat. Try to evenly position your back across the mat. Always feel free to shift or move your body as needed to find a comfortable position that best suits you. Have lower back pain? No problem! Simply bend your knees or use a pillow to prop up your knees to add elevation and pinpoint muscle tension in this problem area.
Initially, the acupressure spikes may not seem super comfortable. However, simply relax, breathe, and give your body time to adjust. Once you begin to feel comfortable, lie on your mat for 20–40 minutes to obtain ultimate results, and get up feeling calm, rejuvenated, and relaxed. Don’t spend your time eyeing the clock. The point of this session is to relax. Set a timer in the kitchen or on your phone to track your time, and listen to meditation music if possible.
When performing acupressure on the body, your body must be evenly distributed across the mat. The pinpoints are known to be unforgiving if not used correctly, so if one area of your body is taking on greater pressure, it could cause harm or bruise to the skin.
Can Acupressure Cure Diseases?
Some diseases respond well to acupressure treatment. It is effective in treating illnesses of the muscles, joints, and bones, collectively known as the musculoskeletal system. Whether you have chronic pain or pain caused by a recent accident, acupressure can significantly reduce your symptoms.
Osteoarthritis treatment: It usually affects the lower back along with the spine, as well as the hips, knees, shoulders, and elbows. Acupressure helps to relieve the pain produced by arthritis fluctuates.
Provides relief from sprains: Sprains and other types of unexpected injuries usually respond nicely to acupressure. This type of pain normally lasts a week or so. For example, if you have a sudden injury to your shoulders, the pain that results from it can continue for months or even years. Acupressure, on the other hand, can keep the discomfort from becoming chronic and provide immediate relief.
Helping with rheumatic pains: If you have rheumatism in its acute, early, and inflammatory stages, you will require treatment until the disease progresses to its residual stage, which can be effectively treated with acupressure. It also aids in the treatment of a variety of chronic pains, and as a result, many professionals recommend it.
Sources:
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
Apple
Google (online)
Office 365 (online)
Outlook
Outlook.com (online)
Yahoo! (online)