How Does Acupressure Work?

Introduction

Acupressure is a technique of ancient Chinese medicine that is derived from acupuncture. With acupuncture, needles are placed along the meridian points of the body to increase the flow of energy and to promote self-healing. Acupressure uses the same meridian points, but instead of needles the practitioner exerts pressure using fingers, knuckles, hands or elbows. Acupressure is considered a form of alternative medicine, but it has proven effective in a wide range of ailments, including pain relief, arthritis, stress, nausea and menstrual cramps.

Meridians are channels or pathways in the body. The meridians are invisible energy fields. There are 12 main meridians that correspond to organs or functions of the body. The organ meridians are the heart, lungs, liver, bladder, kidneys, stomach, small intestines, large intestines, gall bladder and spleen. The function meridians are the circulation/sex meridian and the Triple Warmers which include the thyroid and adrenal glands. Along these meridians are 300 acupuncture points. For some people meridians and acupuncture points are synonymous terms.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) the theory is that the life force of humans flows along the meridian channels. This chi or energy is responsible for good health, and if the meridians are blocked or stagnant, then disease develops. Acupuncture and acupressure stimulate these meridians and this action increases the flow of the life force energy and also increases circulation of blood and lymph fluids throughout the body. All of these functions work together to heal the body.

Acupressure is a massage of the meridian points. Practitioners are trained in locating all the meridian points of the body. Using the principles of acupuncture, acupressure uses manual pressure along the meridian pathways. There are different degrees of pressure for each meridian point. But for most pathways a practitioner uses the fingers or hands with a gradual, but steady, downward force held for 2 to 5 minutes. The length of time spent on each point is determined by how the point feels to the practitioner. Some points feel hard and tense and require prolonged pressure. Other points feel sore and require a shorter treatment time. The pressure is applied to the acupuncture point that corresponds to the part of the body that needs healing. For example, by applying pressure to the point that corresponds to the sinuses, a sinus headache can be relieved. The pressure on the acupuncture point helps to send more energy to the affected area where it promotes healing. During an acupressure session, the therapist may apply pressure to the 12 main meridians for overall general health, or may focus on the acupuncture points that correspond to the patient's diseased or painful areas. With acupressure the energy of a person is stimulated and increased. This reduces blockages that may be impairing self-healing.