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Acupressure is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which focuses on applying pressure to specific points on the body or acupressure points. There are about 2000 points on the body that connect to meridians, or pathways, and from these points flow qi, or energy.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the “qi” or life energy, of an individual should be balanced between the negative energy and positive energy,or yin and yang. If an individual’s qi is blocked or out of balance, it is thought that illness may occur, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupressure is used to restore the balance.
According to the Western medical model, practitioners accredit the beneficial effects of acupressure to be a result of: loosening tight muscles, better circulation, or the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Practitioners of acupressure may use their fingers, palms, elbows, or feet to apply pressure to specific points on the body. Acupressure may also involve elements of stretching or massage. A typical acupressure session consist of an individual lying down on a treatment table while the practitioner gently presses on different points of the body.
Acupressure can assist with the following symptoms including: nausea, stress, fatigue, and inflammation. Individuals with the following conditions may want to consider trying acupuncture: back pain, low back pain, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia
Like all therapies, be sure to talk about acupuncture with a doctor before trying it. It is important to discuss acupuncture to make sure it is safe for the individual who is interested in it. There are situations in which acupuncture can exacerbate an underlying condition.
Acupressure may not be the right treatment for individuals with high blood pressure. It should not be used over the following areas: varicose veins, scar tissue, open wounds or areas of swelling. Acupressure is not for individuals with cancerous tumors or those whose cancer that has spread to the bones. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, a spinal injury, or bone disease should not receive acupressure, as those conditions can be made worse by physical manipulation. Pregnant women should also avoid this treatment as it may induce contractions.
There are no significant side effects associated with acupuncture, provided it is done by a trained therapist. Individuals should tell the practitioner if they experience any pain during the session.Occasionally, one may feel lightheaded during or after the session. After a session, individuals may experience some soreness or bruising at the acupressure points.
There is no limitation in terms of age, sex or condition regarding acupuncture treatment.
TCM and acupuncture does not treat western labelled conditions, but treats individual people. Three individuals attending the clinic with the same western named condition, say ‘migraine’ may receive three different diagnoses, a different treatment, but each make a sound recovery.
TCM has a full diagnostic framework which is capable of diagnosing and treating any known problem, but as with any medical system or treatment it is better for some things and less good for others. It is best you contact your practitioner to ask more about your particular condition.
Acupuncture can, and often is used in conjunction with western medical treatment. It does not negatively interfere with other forms of medicine. It is important, however, to tell your practitioner what other forms of treatment you are receiving.
