Description of Acupressure

Acupressure uses the same points as acupuncture without the needles. Acupressure uses gentle but firm pressure of the fingers and hands (and feet in some techniques). Pressure is applied to specific energy points along the meridian (energy) pathways of the body. Using the power and sensitivity of the human hand, acupressure is very effective in relieving tension related ailments both in self-treatment and preventive health care. The pressure applied to the energetic points results in a release of muscular tension and enhances blood circulation. It promotes the healthy function of the body's internal organs via the vital energy, often known as chi or qi. Acupressure practitioners, like acupuncturists, are trained to accurately locate the energy points or acupoints and to determine which ones to focus on during a treatment session.

There are several variations on acupressure, some of which include types of massage. Some of those are Do-In, Tui Na, Shiatsu, Ohashiatsu, and amma. Do-In is a form of self-acupressure that also incorporates stretching and breathing exercises. Tui Na is an acupressure massage technique that incorporates rubbing, kneading, and percussive stimulation. Shiatsu (means "finger pressure") originated in Japan after traditional Chinese medicine was introduced there about 1000 years ago. While the philosophy of healing of shiatsu in quite similar to acupressure, the actual techniques are different. Practitioners apply pressure with fingers, thumbs, and hands. They may also use elbows, knees, and feet. Sometimes stretching and breathing exercises are incorporated in a session. Shiatsu practitioners will also use pulse diagnosis, client observation and questioning, and palpation of the abdomen to determine which meridians and internal organs or weak or overstimulated and need adjustment. Sustained, stationary pressure is then applied to the corresponding acupoints in a way that is both supportive and relaxing-and intended to balance the whole body. Ohashiatsu was developed by Wataru Ohashi and is one of the most popular forms of shiatsu practiced in the United States. Amma is a Japanese form of massage and body manipulation that is similar to Tui Na. Amma is effective both as self-care and in a treatment session.

Generally, shiatsu is not recommended for patients suffering from high fever, infectious disease, cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Only gentle techniques should be used for elderly or other people in frail health.

History of Acupressure

Acupressure is older than acupuncture. More than 5,000 years ago the Chinese discovered that pressing certain points on the body relieved pain where it occurred and also benefited other parts of the body that were remote from the pressure point. From soldiers being injured with stones and arrows, they learned that certain symptoms of disease that had plagued the soldier for years suddenly vanished. Through meticulous observation, the Chinese developed treatment protocols for specific illnesses by striking or piercing specific points on the body's surface.

What to expect from Acupressure

Sessions usually last from one hour to 90 minutes. Expect a safe, clean, comfortable environment. Expect the practitioner to take a full medical history that will include observation and questioning. The practitioner may check the alignment of your spine. Results of all this intake information will determine the cause of the problem and areas to treat.

Generally, acupressure treatments take place on a padded treatment table (like a massage table) or a treatment chair. Wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement. Some practitioners may provide a treatment gown to provide easiest way of treating some areas of the body. Expect the practitioner to be especially sensitive to draping you so that onl the necessary area is exposed.

Upon completion of a session, expect to have effects that are similar to those after a massage: increased blood and nutrient circulation, release of endorphins, elimination of waste matter-especially lactic acid from the muscles. To facilitate the cleansing of your system, drink plenty of water after a treatment session.

Some conditions are relieved after one session; some require a number of sessions. If the condition is acute such as a headache or sinusitis, one session may resolve the issue. If the condition is chronic (has been going on for a long time) such as arthritis, asthma, or sciatica, a number of sessions may be required to achieve a more lasting result.

Cost

The cost of a session: may run from $40 to $80 for 60 minutes.

Uses for Acupressure

Acupressure is one way to help your body fight back and balance itself since many degenerative diseases in our society are the result of living unnaturally. Acupressure is helpful for stress, tension, lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and poor posture. Acupressure has also been shown to help respiratory and cardiovascular issues such as anemia, arteriosclerosis, asthma, hyper blood pressure, bronchitis, poor circulation, colds, coughs, hay fever, sinusitis, sore throats, and varicose veins. Digestive and urinary disorders helped by acupressure include colic, constipation, cystitis, diverticulitis, fluid retention, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, indigestion, irritable bowel, nausea, ulcers, and vomiting. Acupressure has helped reproductive system diseases and problems including candida, endometriosis, fibroids, genital herpes, impotence, infertility, mastitis, menopause, menstrual problems, pregnancy, prostate, and vaginitis. Musculo-skeletal problems helped by acupressure include arthritis, back problems, cramps, disk problems, lumbago, muscle strains, osteoporosis, rheumatism, sciatica, tenosynovitis, and trapped nerve. Emotional disorders that have been helped by acupressure include addictions, anorexia and bulimia, anxiety, depression, fainting, grief, headaches, insomnia, neuralgia, phobias, stress, and trauma. Acupressure has helped alopecia, boils, and ulcers.

Certification

There are no state requirements for the practice of acupressure within the United States. It is recommended that clients seek a practitioner who has graduated from been certified by an accredited school of acupressure. Following is a list of organizations and associations affiliated with acupressure.

Professional Organizations:
American Oriental Bodywork Therapy Association
Laurel Oak Corporate Center
Suite 408
1010 Haddenfield-Berlin Road
Voorhees, NJ 08043
609-782-1616

Acupressure Institute
1533 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-845-1059

National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine
11 Canal Center Plaza
Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-548-9004
www.nccaom.com

References / Literature

Books

Practitioners for Acupressure

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