This is one of the oldest sciences known to mankind for wellness, relaxation and treatment of various diseases. Acupressure basically works on similar principles like acupuncture and has been used in China for thousands of years. Some people also refer this to as pressure acupuncture and they perceive that it is nothing but acupuncture but without the use of needles. For many of you who don’t know much about this science,this website discusses what exactly acupressure treatment is, and how it works on human body.
The Underlying Theory
Acupressure is one of the many ABTs or Asian book therapies that have roots in traditional medicines used in China. Some of the other examples of these therapies are Tuina and qigong. The medical theory of traditional China says that there are some very special acu-points all over our bodies. These points lie along the meridians or let us say channels inside the body. These are no different but the very same channels in our bodies that are typically leveraged in the process of acupuncture.
It is also believed that these invisible meridians carry vital energy, which is also called “chi” in Chinese. The experts of the science say that there are 12 most important channels that make a connection amongst the most vital organs in our body, thus organizing a system for communication all throughout our body.
These channels start with finger tips, go all the way to brain and end with one of the organs that are associated with one of the meridians. The theory says that when there is a blockage in one of these meridians or are imbalanced due to some reason, then a person can fall ill. Acupressure therapy then can be used for restoring normalcy in the body.
How Does It Work?
The acupressure practitioners make use of palms, feet, elbows and their fingers and sometimes even some special devices for applying pressure to the specific acupoints on the meridians of a body. At times this acupressure treatment also involves massage, stretching and few other methods. Let us see what exactly happens in an acupressure session.
You are asked to lie down completely clothes on a soft table meant for massage. The acupressure practitioner gently presses different acupressure points over your body. An individual may need multiple sessions with each of the sessions typically lasting for an hour or so. The best results can mostly be obtained only after a series of effective acupressure sessions.
Asia Bodywork Science
The end-goal of this Asia bodywork science is restoring balance of body health into the meridians and also fighting against the negative energy. Some of the believers also say that this kind of acupressure therapy not only helps energy fields in our body but also helps an individual with his emotions, mind and spirit. There also are some who strongly believe that therapists also transmit vital energy in other individuals.
That said, not every Western practitioner believes that this is effective or even the fact that channels exist in our bodies. Instead they choose to attribute the final results to factors like improved blood circulation, reduction in muscle tension or natural pain fighters like stimulated endorphins.
Different Common Points of Acupuncture
The fact is that there are hundreds of different acupuncture points across your body and we can’t obviously name all of them. Mentioned below are three of them that are most commonly used by acupressure practitioners.
- L14 or Large intestine 4: This is typically in the fleshy and soft web that can be felt between the thumb and forefinger.
- LR3 or Liver 3: This is right in the soft flesh that is sitting between second and big toes. It is an area that is very similar to L14.
- SP6 or Spleen 6: This point is around 3 fingers above your anklebone but you should measure it from the inside. It is the delicate portion of the muscle in lower calf.
What Are the Different Types of Acupressure?
There are different types of acupressure techniques that practitioners use. Each of these styles has their own unique characteristics. Of course in all these cases the points are used but how a particular point is pressed and for how long defines the type of acupressure being used. Some of the types are Zen Shiatsu, Reflexology, Thai Foot Massage and Jin Shi acupressure. Let us take a look at some of them.
Self-Acupressure: Acupressure is simple and is perfectly suited for self-help. Most of the acupressure points are within the reach of an individual and takes very little time for easy and precise location and applying pressure. At any acupressure center they show you how stimulating of different points in your body is done. This will help you take responsibility of your own body and health.
Jin Shin: This method also uses the very same point like acupuncture but makes use of fingertips or thumbs for balancing and releasing the points instead of using needles. Both your hands are put to use for holding different combinations of those acupressure points. These points are mostly picked by the practitioner for suiting the needs of the individual. Some of the people feel energized post a Jin Shin session, while other feel calm and relaxed. If it has been rigorous session then it is possible that you could feel drowsy or tired for few hours and you should consider this if you have plans of driving post the session.
Zen Shiatsu: This acupressure technique comes from Japan for muscular tension release and structural integration. In literal terms the word means finger pressure. It is more of an integrated style that makes use of elbows and hands along with thumbs for different stimulating points and releases tension in the shoulders, face, legs, back and neck. Throughout the treatment, a rhythmic pressure is maintained usually with the help of an acupressure machine. Different areas of the body are very firmly pressed for 3 to 5 seconds. The consistent rhythm offers a balancing and harmonious effect on the full body.
