Acupressure is an old treatment method from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for thousands of years to help people relax, feel better, and improve their health. Acupressure, sometimes called “pressure acupuncture,” works on the same ideas as acupuncture but doesn’t use needles. Instead, it uses finger pressure on particular acupressure points to trigger the body’s natural healing processes. This piece discusses acupressure points, their advantages, how they function, and what to be cautious about before using this treatment.
What Are Acupressure Points?
Acupressure points, or acupoints, are special spots on the body that relate to energy pathways called meridians. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are 12 main pathways in the body, each linked to an organ or a group of systems. These channels help flow essential energy called qi (ch’i) in the body. If the flow of qi is blocked, it can cause sickness or pain. By removing blocks and increasing energy flow, applying pressure to these body acupressure points aids in restoring balance and health.
Common Acupressure Points
The body has hundreds of acupressure points, each connected to distinct medical benefits. Three often used acupoints are listed here: Large Intestine 4 (LI 4): Located in the soft, fleshy web between the thumb and fingers, this point is widely used as acupressure points for headache, pain relief, and stress reduction.
Liver 3 (LR-3): Found on the top of the foot, in the space between the big toe and the next toe, LR-3 is connected with lowering stress, improving digestion, and relieving acupressure points for stomach pain.
Spleen 6 (SP-6): This point is used for acupressure points for sleep, digestion, and menstrual control. It is located about three finger widths above the inner ankle bone.
How Does Acupressure Work?
Pressing on acupressure spots throughout the body’s energy paths practitioners utilise their fingers, hands, knees, feet, or specific equipment. To enhance the therapy, several techniques call for massage or stretching. While the patient is completely clothed on a massage table, acupressure points on feet, hands, and other places are softly pressed. A standard class lasts one hour, and numerous sessions could be required for optimal effects.
By use of negative energy (yin) and positive energy (yang), acupressure primarily seeks to put the body’s energy back into equilibrium. Acupuncture, according to some, may enhance mental and spiritual health as well as treat physical ailments. The concept of meridians is not totally accepted in Western medicine. Still, some professionals say acupressure improves blood flow, releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and relaxes muscles.
Benefits of Acupressure for Health
Many people say they feel much better after using acupuncture. Acupressure may help with some common issues like:
Nausea and Vomiting:
The Pericardium 6 (PC 6) acupoint, found on the wrist, is frequently used as acupressure points for gas and nausea relief during surgery, treatment, pregnancy, and motion sickness.
Pain Relief:
Acupressure may help with low back pain, acupressure points for back pain, surgical pain, and headaches.
Arthritis:
Some research shows that acupuncture can release endorphins and reduce inflammation, which may help people with arthritis.
Mental Health Issues:
Studies suggest acupressure can boost mood and lessen worry and sadness by promoting relaxation and energy flow.
Intestinal Problems:
Acupressure points for constipation and stomach pain are frequently used to relieve intestinal problems.
Precautions and Safety Measures
Acupressure is mainly safe, but some people should be careful or avoid it entirely. Talk to a doctor before trying acupressure if you have any of these conditions:
- Cancer: Don’t pressure tumours or places where cancer has spread to the bones.
- Bone Diseases: People with rheumatoid arthritis, spinal accidents, or other bone diseases should not get deep tissue massage.
- Varicose Veins: Pressing on acupressure points in hand or leg with varicose veins could worsen the problem.
- Pregnancy: Some acupressure points for cough and sleep are thought to trigger contractions during pregnancy and should be avoided. It’s important to see a trained and approved acupressure practitioner to ensure that it’s safe and effective.
Takeaway
Older healing technique grounded on Traditional Chinese Medicine is acupressure. Targeting particular acupressure points aims to balance, enhance energy flow, and assist with various health problems. While science studies are still being done, many people find relief from nausea, pain, back pain, acupressure points for cough, and stress through this practice. As with any alternative treatment, it is essential to consult a healthcare worker before trying acupressure, especially if you have underlying medical problems. When done right, acupressure can significantly improve your health and well-being.
