What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient Chinese technique based on the principles of acupuncture, and involves the use of finger pressure (without the needles) on specific points along the body. It is is a way of releasing blocked or congested energy centers in the body. Chinese cultures believe the points to be junctures of meridian pathways that carry energy called "Chi". Western scientists have also mapped out and proven the existence of these points using electrical devices.

Acupressure massage therapy stimulates and activates the body’s own energies to help fight illness and restore harmony. Some of the Acupressure points are significant as they relate to a specific part of the body while others are more general in their effect. Various ailments such as tension and stress, aches and pains, headache, arthritis or menstrual cramps can be alleviated. Acupressure can also be used for general preventative health care.

What is the Purpose of Acupressure?

The purpose of Acupressure is to stimulate the body's own recuperative powers by stimulating the various points on the body. The stimulation removes energy blockages by getting rid of the toxic build up that gathers in the muscle tissue. This gathering of toxins causes stiffness throughout the body. Stiffness in muscles puts abnormal pressure on nerves, and blood and lymph vessels. The pressure on blood and lymph vessels affect both skeletal systems and internal organ functioning.

How is Acupressure Performed?

Acupressure is usually done similar to regular massage. Points on the body are massaged using finger or thumb, and sometimes a blunt object, in a fairly rapid circular motion with a medium pressure. Some of the most common techniques are: Rubbing, Kneading, Percussion and Vibration. Fingers, hands, elbows, are often used. I also have an Acupressure electronic instrument that pinpoints the pressure point and then sends a tiny electrical like shock to that point.. Relaxing and releasing the particular area.

Acupressure can help alleviate:

Pain, headaches, migraines, insomnia, depression , dizziness, menstrual pain, digestive disorders including diarrhea and constipation nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, stress and tiredness.

In all cases, such massage techniques are used in collaboration with other appropriate medical care.