How to Define Acupressure

Acupressure is based on an ancient Chinese technique where energy (or qi) is brought back to wholeness in the body by pressing on points along the skin called acupoints. When the body's energy is off-balance, skin problems, food allergies and stress are some of the afflictions that are seen by acupressurists.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pencil eraser or your hands
• Computer with Internet access

Know the History of Acupressure

1. Know that acupressure is derived from acupuncture, another form of Chinese medicine that works on acupoints with the use of needles. Luckily, it is believed that acupressure is just as effective without the use of those needles.
2. Understand that even though its popularity is increasing in other countries, acupressure is still practiced primarily in Asia.
3. Surprise yourself with the vast differences in technique. Methods used in India differ greatly from those in Korea. You will even find major variances from city-to-city within the same country.
4. Define its roots back to ancient China. It is believed to be at least 5,000 years old.
5. Learn more about acupressure in the West by visiting the Eclectic Energies Web site (see Resources below).

Define Acupressure Based on What it can do for you

6. Lessen the amount of pills you take. Use acupressure as an alternative to allopathic or Western medicine. Realize that acupressure has long been used to treat common ailments for which allopathic doctors prescribe medicine.
7. Stimulate acupoints or pressure points on the body and free yourself from illness. The two primary methods include: reinforcing (or pressing the point), and reducing the point, which creates balance in the system.
8. Improve your athletic performance. Martial arts practitioners have long used acupressure after competition to stimulate healing and self-defense.
9. Make use of yourself! Common objects used in acupressure are your knuckles and fingertips. By using your body to treat your ailments, become more in tune with your patterns and habits of illness.
10. Lower your stress and anxiety level. Acupressure is great for emotional well-being as there are many acupoints that correspond to relaxation, improved sleep and alertness.
11. Use acupressure in conjunction with other therapies. Examples are psychotherapy, homeopathic and allopathic or Western medicine. Because acupressure is so gentle, other remedies can be employed simultaneously to your benefit.
12. Treat the family pet. Acupressure is very commonly used in conjunction with veterinary medicine and equine medicine. Find out more by visiting the Animal Acupressure Web site (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Try acupressure for yourself at home to see if it works for you.
• If you plan to practice on your own and don't want to use your hands, make use of a pencil eraser. Its size and shape is ideally suited to contacting the acupoints.
• Learning about acupressure is inexpensive if you use the Internet.
• Acupressure is not for serious conditions like heart attack or broken bones. Seek immediate medical care if you are experiencing any type of debilitating pain.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary healthcare provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.