Definition of Acupressure

If you are searching for complementary medicine techniques to help manage symptoms or health concerns, you may want to consider acupressure. Like acupuncture, it is an ancient oriental form of body work. The difference is that acupressure does not employ the use of needles. This makes it more desirable to those who fear needles but would like to try this system of healing. While more research is still needed about this form of healing, it has many advocates. Below is some basic information about acupressure.

History

Because acupressure was practiced before the use of official record keeping, the exact origin is not definitively known. However, it can be dated back to more than 5,000 years ago in China. According to the Melbourne College of Professional Therapists, it can be traced back as early as the Sui and Tang dynasties (A.D. 581-907). As the technique gained popularity it became more widely used during the Song, Kin and Yuan dynasties (A.D. 908-1368). Then during the Ming and Qing dynasties (A.D. 1368-1911) massage therapy became one of the thirteen specialties of medicine in China. Beginning around 1949 in China the popularity of massage therapy in general grew. Massage clinics, hospitals, schools and colleges offering studies in traditional Chinese medicine appeared, along with massage research institutions. From there, this technique began to spread to other countries. In the late 1970s, the world health organization through various studies stated that acupuncture/acupressure medicine could be highly effective in treating many diseases. Since then, this technique has continued to grow and become more refined.

Theories/Speculation

The American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia states that Oriental medicine works on the principal that there are meridians throughout the body and that these points connect with the organs, such as the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, urinary bladder and gall bladder. In addition, they claim that these points then extend to the skin, muscles, bones, limbs, eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, urethra, vagina and anus. The belief is that the entire body is coordinated and integrated. Chinese medicine also believes that these meridians play a role in the transport of Qi or Chi energy, blood and fluid to various areas of the body to maintain health and normal body functioning. Oriental medicine works on the principle that when there is a disorder or blockage in one or more of the meridians, there will be an impaired flow of Qi and blood, both of which can lead to disease and emotional imbalances.

Identification

An acupressure practitioner uses their fingers, hands, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure to trigger points in the body. See the picture here from acupressure.com. Acupressurists believe that by applying pressure to specific points, the body's innate ability to heal itself will be stimulated. Acupressure utilizes the same meridians as acupuncture. In addition, acupressure incorporates other modalities, such as therapeutic touch, somatic work, healing imagery and massage therapy techniques. The patient may stay dressed or get undressed as in a typical massage. In most cases, no oils or lotions are used during an acupressure treatment.

Benefits

Advocates of acupressure state that it can help relieve pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, encourage relaxation and release of muscular tension, boost your immune system and promote overall wellness. Another benefit is that while it is not as relaxing, you can do acupressure on yourself. When combined with Western medical care, it may be helpful in treating conditions such as muscular sprains, strains; arthritis, high blood pressure, circulation problems, autoimmune diseases, asthma, bronchitis, headaches and others. See the link for the Complementary Medical Association below for the conditions acupressure may help.

Finding a Practitioner

If you are looking for a qualified practitioner, you can try searching a database through a national agency such as the American Organization for Bodywork Therapies of Asia or the Complementary Medical Association (see the links below). These agencies oversee the training, credentialing and promotion of oriental body work. Practitioners must often meet specific guidelines concerning their training and practice to join. In addition, there is often a requirement to regularly take approved continuing education courses in order to stay well informed of changes and the latest information.

Resources

• Acupressure.com