What is acupressure?
Dating back over thousands of years, acupressure is part of the Oriental medical traditions of China, Japan, Korea, India and Tibet. By simply applying pressure to specific points on the body (known as acupoints), this simple and effective technique promotes the flow of energy within the body to both calm and strengthen the mind and spirit.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, illness results from an imbalance in the flow of Chi (life energy) through the body. Chi (pronounced Chee & sometimes spelt Qi) circulates round the body along a network of invisible channels beneath the skin called meridians. Dotted along the meridians are 2000 or so known acupoints, where chi is said to be concentrated and at which it enters and leaves the body.
Acupressure is the application of fingertip or thumb pressure at specific points on the body. There are also various acupressure devices available that you wear which exert continual pressure on specific points. This stimulates chi along the meridians and internal organs to promote health and prevent, or ease, health imbalances.
How does it work?
There are two main theories to explain how acupressure works.
- ‘The Gate Control Theory’ – In simple terms, nerves carrying pressure messages reach the brain faster than other messages such as pain or nausea. As the brain can only receive so many messages at once, the ‘gate’ is closed by the time the pain signals arrive
- Endorphin release – The pressure appears to stimulate nerve fibres running up the spinal cord and this ultimately results in the production of endorphins. Endorphins are pain-relieving chemicals that inhibit the brain’s perception of pain, especially when associated with anxiety or stress.
What are the benefits?
One of the key benefits of acupressure is that it is easy to learn so anyone can practise it at anytime whether they are a beginner or an expert. Other than this, it is safe because it is drug-free and cost-effective, as it does not require any special equipment or creams – just a pair of hands and the desire to develop the sense of touch!
What is it good for?
Acupressure is effective as a preventative as well as a curative for a whole host of common health complaints, such as nausea, pain and stress, headaches and migraine, anxiety, insomnia, PMS, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems and first aid.
How do you do it?
The following are brief instructions to get you started:
- Apply pressure to the relevant acupoint using your fingertips, thumbs or the nail edge (which should be clean and smooth)
- Apply pressure gently at first, gradually increasing to the point where a mild sensation, but not pain, is felt
- Pressure can be sustained or by locating the point, applying pressure, releasing, relaxing and repeating the sequence several times
- As a general rule, apply pressure in the direction of flow of the meridian
- Remember to locate and apply pressure to the acupoint on both sides of the body for bilateral points .
For example, the Pericardium 6 point relieves nausea and travel sickness. It is located between the tendons on the inside arm, 3 finger widths above the wrist crease closest to the palm.
Are there any side effects?
Acupressure is a safe, non-invasive technique but there are some points to bear in mind:
- Do not treat anyone under the influence of alcohol or non-medicinal drugs
- Be careful if the patient is extremely weak, sensitive, fatigued or pregnant (only use light pressure)
- Never apply pressure directly on cuts, wounds, scars, bruises or veins.
* 2002 Acupressure Step by Step, Jacqueline Young, (Thorsons) 1994
