INTRO TO: Acupressure

Sure, you’ve probably heard of acupuncture. But what about acupressure? Acupressure works similarly to acupuncture and can have similar effects - all without the hassle of using needles. Instead, acupressure is more like a targeted massage that can be used to reduce pain throughout the body and improve your general health. Interested in learning more about acupressure? Read on to become an acupressure expert and to see if it might be the right type of treatment for you.

What Is Acupressure?

Acupressure shares many similarities with acupuncture. For example, both are rooted in Traditional Chinese medicine, which has been around for over 3,000 years; additionally, both are based on the concept that a special life force energy (called Qi, pronounced chee) flows through every human’s body. This qi flows through special channels inside every person’s body, and illness or pain can occur when this energy is blocked or prevented from flowing.

In order to restore the flow of energy through the body, an acupressure practitioner will use their hands, feet, elbows, or other specialized tools to apply pressure to specific parts of the body (which are called acupoints). Applying this pressure has been shown to decrease muscle tension, stimulate endorphins, and improve circulation, leaving its users feeling relaxed and pain-free.

How And Where Is Acupressure Taught?

Acupressure practitioners typically receive certification after completing training for a certain amount of hours, generally ranging from 250-500 hours. Because acupressure is closely related to massage therapy, most acupressure practitioners receive training in different types of massage, including both Western treatments (i.e., Swedish massage, deep tissue massage) and Eastern treatments (i.e., Shiatsu massage, other components of Traditional Chinese medicine). If you’re interested in pursuing acupressure, ensure that your acupressure practitioner is certified and licensed in your state to guarantee that you’ll receive the best possible treatment.

What Are The Benefits Of Acupressure?

Due to their general similarities, acupressure and acupuncture have similar benefits. For example, acupressure has been demonstrated to improve blood flow and relax muscles, making it a good choice for people looking to relieve their chronic pain. Some studies have shown that acupressure has also been used to satisfactorily address health concerns such as menstrual pain, nausea, and vomiting. In particular, acupressure has been shown to be a simple and effective way to reduce the nausea associated with chemotherapy, making it a useful tool for many cancer patients.

In addition to these effects, some preliminary studies have suggested that acupressure can help with arthritis as well as depression and anxiety, as acupressure has been shown to reduce fatigue and improve mood. However, peer-reviewed scientific studies of acupressure are still in their infancy, and more research is needed to better nail down the many benefits and drawbacks of acupressure.

How Has Acupressure Evolved Over Time?

Since its origins in Traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure has evolved to include a variety of different kinds of acupressure. For example, shiatsu is technically defined as a type of Japanese acupressure, whereas auricular acupressure is a specific type of acupressure that focuses on healing the body by providing pressure to different parts of the outer ear. Still other types of acupressure focus on using specific mental images or other philosophical practices to reap the benefits of a special mind-body connection. With so many different kinds of acupressure now available, choosing the right type of acupressure for you and your body has never been easier.

What Does An Acupressure Session Involve?

A typical acupressure session lasts for about 60 minutes and involves lying down on a soft massage table. An acupressure practitioner will use their hands, feet, elbows, or tools to apply gentle pressure to specific parts of your body to open up channels through which energy can flow throughout your body. Some practitioners will schedule you for several sessions to get the most out of your acupressure experience.

If you’re looking to experience the benefits of acupressure without seeing a professional, there are several acupoints you can use to limit pain on your own. For example, pressing on a specific point on the back of your hand can help reduce the severity of a headache or migraine. If you’re still skeptical about acupressure or you want to ease yourself into it, there are also many over-the-counter clips, bracelets, and gloves on the market that provide targeted anti-nausea and anti-pain relief for people dealing with motion sickness or the side effects of chemotherapy.

What Are Some Drawbacks To Acupressure?

Due to the non-invasive nature of acupressure, there are very few drawbacks to it. However, pregnant people should confer with their doctor before beginning acupressure, as applying pressure to some acupoints has been shown to trigger contractions or begin labor; additionally, people with certain illnesses (such as cancer, varicose veins, or any bone diseases) should talk to their doctor before beginning acupressure, as acupressure could exacerbate some medical conditions.

Similar to acupuncture, acupressure is defined as a complementary treatment, which means that it should be used in conjunction with, not instead of, medical treatments. For example, it may be used to ease nausea caused by chemotherapy, but it should not be used in place of chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. Before beginning acupressure, reach out to your local wellness practitioners in order to learn more about how you may benefit from it.

How Do I Learn More About Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical treatment that is also a tradition with a rich history. For over 3,000 years, many people have turned to acupuncture to enjoy living life to the fullest without chronic pain, migraines, and more. If you’re dealing with such pain, acupuncture may be an easy and rewarding way to improve your quality of life.

If you’re interested in making acupuncture a part of your wellness journey, feel free to start a conversation with your local wellness practitioners or reach out to a member of the Elated today to learn more.