A practice used in China for thousands of years, acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture and functions to promote relaxation and health as well as to minimize disease. The practice is also often called pressure acupuncture and can be considered a form of acupuncture without the use of needles. However, acupressure is its own practice and is used to heal a variety of conditions.
What is Acupressure?
A branch of the numerous Asian bodywork therapies with connections to traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure is a practice that relies on the application of pressure to specific acupoints on the body. Practitioners of acupressure use their fingers, palms, elbows, feet or special devices to apply appropriate, steady pressure to these points on the body. The practice also involves stretching and massage as well as other methods.
The goal of acupressure, much like any other form of Asian bodywork, is to restore health and balance to the body. The practice incorporates the regulation of the opposing energy forces of negative energy or yin and positive energy or yang. Many individuals believe and purport that this form of medicine treats not only the energy fields but also the mind, emotions and spirit.
Health Conditions that May Be Treated Using Acupressure
At the very least, acupressure restores health by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation and stimulating endorphins. As such, the treatment can be used to alleviate a variety of health conditions, using specific pressure points to align with different parts of the body.
The practice is responsible for treating a variety of conditions including digestive problems, skin issues, eye conditions and others. Some of the most commonly treated health conditions include acid reflux and constipation. Headaches, acne and other skin issues, myopia and congestion are also common treated using this practice.
Considered a blend of acupuncture and pressure, acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine that is closely derived from acupuncture. The practice utilizes physical pressure applied to points by the hands, elbows and other devices to specific pressure points on the body. This form of medicine uses pressure to restore health and balance in the body naturally.
